Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has raised an urgent concern over an imminent cholera outbreak in 10 states, vis-a-vis Plateau, Osun, Kogi, Niger, Oyo, Enugu, Kwara, Adamawa, Kaduna and Taraba.
The agency, in a statement, said the warning followed flood predictions issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, indicating that the aforementioned states would experience heavy rainfall and flooding between 13 and 17 April 2026.
The NCDC said that cholera cases are already on the rise across cholera-prone states, which could be linked to the rainy season and floods that may have contaminated food and water sources.
It said: “Recent national surveillance data show increasing cholera activity across multiple states. Flooding during this period can rapidly increase the risk of disease outbreaks due to contamination of drinking water sources, disruption of sanitation systems, and increased exposure of communities to unsafe environmental conditions. Importantly, these risks are preventable with early action.”
The NCDC, therefore, asked residents in the affected and at-risk states and areas to use only safe water for drinking and cooking (boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water), wash hands frequently with soap and clean water—especially before eating and after using the toilet—avoid contact with floodwater as much as possible, and maintain proper sanitation, including the safe disposal of waste and the avoidance of open defecation.
The NCDC also advised residents to handle and store food safely to prevent contamination, sleep under insecticide-treated nets to prevent mosquito bites, and seek care immediately at the nearest health facility in cases of diarrhoea, vomiting, or fever.
The agency highlighted the roles expected of community leaders and local authorities in preventing outbreaks, encouraging them to support environmental sanitation and drainage clearance, promote access to safe water and hygiene practices, encourage early reporting of suspected illness, and support the dissemination of accurate public health information.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, confirmed that the agency is working closely with State Ministries of Health and relevant partners to strengthen surveillance, enhance preparedness, and support rapid response in affected areas.
He also stated that state governments are being supported to activate multisectoral response mechanisms, particularly in water, sanitation, and emergency management, insisting that early action, community vigilance, and prompt care-seeking can prevent outbreaks and save lives.
