NCDC issues flood alert, warns of cholera risk in 10 states

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory following flood alerts that could increase the risk of cholera and other disease outbreaks across parts of the country.

The warning follows predictions by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), indicating that several states may experience heavy rainfall and flooding between April 13 and April 17, 2026.

States likely to be affected include Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba, and Kwara.

According to the NCDC, flooding could trigger outbreaks of cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases, increase cases of malaria, and expose residents to infections from contaminated water. It may also result in injuries and disrupt access to healthcare services.

The agency advised residents in vulnerable areas to take precautionary measures, including using safe drinking water—either boiled or chlorinated, maintaining proper hand hygiene, avoiding contact with floodwater and ensuring adequate sanitation.

It also urged the public to store food safely, use insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or fever occur.

The NCDC further called on community leaders to support public health efforts by promoting sanitation practices, ensuring access to clean water, encouraging early reporting of illnesses, and raising awareness at the grassroots level.

To mitigate potential health emergencies, the agency said it is working closely with state authorities to strengthen disease surveillance, preparedness, and emergency response systems.