Osun, 9 Other States At Risk Of Cholera Outbreak – NCDC
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has placed 10 states on high alert following forecasts of heavy rainfall and flooding, warning that the affected regions face an elevated risk of disease outbreaks, particularly cholera.
The Director-General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, in a statement on Wednesday, said projections by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency indicate that parts of Adamawa State, Enugu State, Kaduna State, Kogi State, Niger State, Osun State, Oyo State, Plateau State, Taraba State, and Kwara State will experience intense rainfall between April 13 and 17, 2026.
Idris said the warning comes at a critical point in Nigeria’s public health calendar, as the country enters the seasonal window when cholera cases historically surge, with early surveillance data already showing increasing infections across several states.
“These forecasts are particularly concerning because they coincide with the period when cholera transmission typically accelerates. Flooding can contaminate water sources and disrupt sanitation systems, creating conditions for rapid spread,” he said.
Idris warned that beyond cholera, the affected states also face heightened risks of other diarrhoeal diseases and mosquito-borne infections such as malaria, which remains endemic and accounts for a significant disease burden nationwide.
“Floodwaters not only increase exposure to pathogens but also create breeding sites for mosquitoes, raising the risk of malaria and other infections,” he said.
He added that residents in the identified states may also face injuries, including drowning and snakebites, as well as disruptions in access to healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Despite the risks, the NCDC boss emphasised that the potential health crisis can be mitigated through early action and public compliance with preventive measures.
“These risks are largely preventable. We urge residents in the affected states to ensure they use safe water, maintain hygiene, avoid contact with floodwaters, and seek prompt medical care if symptoms develop,” Idris said.
He also called on community leaders and local authorities in the 10 states to intensify environmental sanitation efforts, including clearing blocked drainage systems and promoting hygiene awareness at the grassroots level.
“Community-level action is critical. Early reporting of suspected cases and dissemination of accurate health information will go a long way in preventing outbreaks,” he added.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
