Flood alert: NCDC raises cholera alarm, warns of disease outbreak risk in 10 states

By Chioma Obinna

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, Wednesday issued a public health alert warning of an increased risk of cholera and other infectious disease outbreaks following flood predictions affecting parts of the country.

In a press statement, the NCDC explained that the warning is based on forecasts from the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which indicated that heavy rainfall and possible flooding are expected between April 13 and 17, 2026, across Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Kwara states.

The agency said the alert comes at a critical period when cholera cases typically begin to rise, warning that flooding could significantly worsen the spread of waterborne diseases due to contamination of drinking water sources and breakdown of sanitation systems.

According to the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said the situation requires urgent preventive action to avoid a larger public health emergency.

“This alert comes at a critical time as Nigeria enters the seasonal period when cholera cases typically begin to rise,” Idris said. “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.”

He noted that surveillance data already show rising cholera activity in several states, stressing that early intervention remains the most effective way to prevent escalation.

“These risks are preventable with early action. We are urging residents in affected and at-risk areas to take immediate precautions.”

The NCDC listed cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases, malaria and other mosquito-borne infections, injuries including drowning and snakebites, and disruption of healthcare services as key risks associated with the flooding.

The NCDC advised residents to ensure consumption of only safe water, including boiled, chlorinated or bottled water, while maintaining strict hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing with soap and clean 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 ensure safe food handling to prevent contamination.”

The agency further urged households to sleep under insecticide-treated nets to reduce exposure to mosquito-borne diseases and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting or fever occur.

“Do not delay in seeking care at the nearest health facility if you feel unwell. Early treatment saves lives and helps prevent wider spread,” Idris added.

The NCDC called on community leaders and local authorities to intensify environmental sanitation efforts, including drainage clearance and waste management, to reduce flood-related health risks.

It also urged stakeholders to strengthen surveillance systems and ensure prompt reporting of suspected cases to health authorities.

“Community leaders have a critical role to play in ensuring public awareness and early detection of illness,” the agency said.

On the government response, the NCDC said it is working closely with state ministries of health and partner agencies to strengthen preparedness and coordinate rapid response measures in affected areas.

It added that states are being supported to activate multisectoral emergency response mechanisms, particularly in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions and emergency management systems.

The agency warned that without swift preventive action, the combination of seasonal rainfall and existing cholera trends could lead to avoidable outbreaks.

“Early action, community vigilance and prompt care-seeking can prevent outbreaks and save lives,” Idris said.

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