NCDC Issues High Alert as 10 States Face Imminent Cholera Outbreak

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has issued an urgent public health warning over an imminent cholera outbreak in ten states, following forecasts of heavy rainfall and potential flooding across the country.

In a public health advisory released on April 15, the NCDC identified Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Kwara as high-risk states expected to experience intense rainfall between April 13 and 17, 2026. The warning was based on flood predictions issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

The agency explained that the alert coincides with Nigeria’s seasonal period when cholera cases typically begin to rise, noting that recent national surveillance data already shows 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, the NCDC stated.

NCDC Director-General Dr Jide Idris emphasized that these risks are preventable with early action. Flooding can contaminate water sources and disrupt sanitation systems, creating conditions for rapid spread, he warned.

Beyond cholera, the affected states also face heightened risks of other diarrhoeal diseases and mosquito-borne infections such as malaria, as stagnant floodwaters create ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes. The NCDC further cautioned that residents may face additional hazards including drowning, snakebites, injuries associated with flooding, and disruption of access to healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Despite the risks, Idris stressed that the potential health crisis can be mitigated through 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, he said.

The NCDC advised residents in at-risk communities to use only safe water for drinking and cooking by boiling, chlorinating or using bottled water, wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, avoid contact with floodwater, and maintain proper sanitation including safe disposal of waste and avoidance of open defecation.

The agency also urged Nigerians to store and handle food safely to prevent contamination, sleep under insecticide-treated nets to reduce mosquito bites, and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if they experience diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or any symptoms of illness.

Idris called on community leaders and local authorities 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.

The NCDC confirmed it is working closely with State Ministries of Health and relevant partners to strengthen surveillance, enhance preparedness, and support rapid response efforts in affected areas. State governments are being supported to activate multisectoral response mechanisms, particularly in water, sanitation and emergency management.

The agency maintained that early action, community vigilance and prompt care-seeking could prevent outbreaks and save lives.