The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory, warning of a heightened risk of cholera and other disease outbreaks following forecast flooding in parts of the country.
The agency said flood predictions by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) indicate that several states may experience heavy rainfall and flooding between April 13 and 17, 2026.
States listed as high-risk include Kogi, Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Kwara.
In the advisory, NCDC warned that flooding could trigger outbreaks of cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases, as well as increase cases of malaria, infections from contaminated water, injuries and disruptions to healthcare services.
The agency urged residents in affected areas to take preventive measures, including drinking only safe water, either boiled or chlorinated, maintaining proper hand hygiene and avoiding contact with floodwaters.
It also advised proper food storage, improved sanitation practices and the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets to reduce the risk of malaria.
“Individuals experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting or fever should seek immediate medical attention,” the agency said.
The NCDC also called on community leaders to intensify public awareness campaigns, promote sanitation, ensure access to clean water and encourage early reporting of suspected illness.
It noted that it is working with state governments to strengthen disease surveillance, preparedness and emergency response efforts to mitigate the potential health impact of the predicted floods.
The advisory comes amid growing concerns over the public health implications of seasonal flooding, which has historically led to disease outbreaks in vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
