The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has raised alarm of imminent cholera outbreak in 10 states, namely, Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba, and Kwara.
NCDC, in a statement, yesterday, said the alarm 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 13th and 17th April 2026.
NCDC noted that, already, cases of cholera are on the rise across the cholera-prone states, and that could simply be attributed to the rainy season, and flood that might have contaminated people’s sources of food and water.
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.”
NCDC, thus asked residents in the affected and at-risk states/areas to use only safe water for drinking and cooking (boil, chlorinate, or use 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, maintain proper sanitation including safe disposal of waste and avoidance of open defecation.
NCDC also asked the 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.
It, however, highlighted the roles expected of community leaders and local authorities in preventing outbreaks, and encouraged them to support environmental sanitation and drainage clearance, promote access to safe water and hygiene practices, encourage early reporting of suspected illness, and support dissemination of accurate public health information.
Director General of 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 also 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.
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