THE Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory following a sharp rise in Chikungunya virus infections across the globe.
In a statement published on Friday, the agency reported that more than 240,000 cases and at least 90 deaths have been confirmed this year in 16 countries, with China alone recording nearly 5,000 infections since early July 2025.
Although Nigeria has not documented any confirmed cases in 2025, the NCDC warned that the country’s prevailing environmental conditions — especially in flood-hit and high-risk states — could increase the likelihood of an outbreak.
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are active during the day, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. Symptoms include sudden fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and skin rash.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to take preventive measures, including: sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, wearing protective clothing, applying mosquito repellents and eliminating stagnant water around homes to destroy breeding sites
The agency added that it is working closely with state health authorities to strengthen mosquito surveillance, equip frontline health workers for early detection, and intensify public awareness campaigns on hygiene and mosquito control.
“While Nigeria has not recorded recent cases, the surge in global infections, regional proximity, and the current flood situation demand heightened vigilance. Together, we can protect our communities,” the NCDC stated.
The centre reaffirmed its commitment to proactive prevention, noting that public cooperation remains essential in averting a potential outbreak.
