The Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has alerted the states presently affected by flooding on the risk of disease outbreaks.
The organisation highlighted the potential for the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea in the aftermath of the floods.
Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, who gave the warning this at a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, emphasised the need for a preventive approach to handling the potential health crises that could follow the flooding.
He said, “People often focus on containing the immediate cause of floods, but the consequences, including diseases, come later and need to be addressed proactively.”
The NCDC boss, however, revealed that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is set to hold an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) meeting with the NCDC and other relevant agencies to strategise on how to manage the potential health risks.
Dr. Idris also provided an update on Lassa fever and meningitis outbreaks, reporting a downward trend in cases of both diseases but warned of a possible resurgence as they are seasonal.
“We’ve seen a decrease in Lassa fever and meningitis cases since deactivating the EOC, but we expect an increase in the coming months,” he said.
From January 1 to August 25, 2024, Nigeria recorded 7,973 suspected cases and 982 confirmed cases of Lassa fever across 28 states and 127 local government areas.
A total of 168 deaths were reported from the disease, though no fatalities occurred between August 19 and August 25.
Regarding cerebrospinal meningitis, Dr. Idris revealed that 4,915 suspected cases had been reported during the 2023/2024 season, resulting in 361 deaths across 24 states.
He gave the most affected age group as children aged 5-14, with males accounting for 60 percent of the cases.
Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, and Gombe were the hardest-hit states, collectively accounting for 93 percent of reported cases.
The DG stressed the need for heightened vigilance and preparation, citing a 157 percent increase in meningitis cases compared to the previous season.
He urged states to adopt precautionary measures to prevent further outbreaks as the rainy season continues to pose health risks.
