Chikungunya Virus: A Looming Threat to Nigeria
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a stern warning regarding the potential outbreak of the Chikungunya virus within the country. This warning comes in light of the increasingly adverse environmental and climatic conditions prevailing in Nigeria. Although no confirmed instances of Chikungunya have been reported in Nigeria as of 2025, the NCDC emphasizes that the risk of transmission remains considerably high. This concern stems from the ongoing rainy season, which has resulted in widespread flooding across various parts of the nation, creating breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes. The NCDC’s advisory underscores the importance of proactive risk reduction measures, particularly in flood-affected regions and states deemed high-risk.
Chikungunya is a viral disease primarily transmitted through the bites of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, the same species responsible for spreading Dengue and Yellow Fever. Unlike Anopheles mosquitoes, which transmit malaria and are active at night, Aedes mosquitoes typically bite during daylight hours, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. The NCDC highlights the significance of this distinction, emphasizing that preventive measures should not be limited to nighttime protection alone. The widespread flooding caused by the persistent rainy season provides ideal breeding conditions for these mosquitoes, thereby increasing the risk of transmission for Chikungunya, Dengue, and Yellow Fever.
The NCDC’s advisory builds upon earlier warnings regarding flood-related diseases like Cholera, Yellow Fever, and Dengue Fever. The agency stresses that the preventive measures previously outlined remain crucial for mitigating the risk of Chikungunya transmission. The NCDC emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to disease prevention, encompassing both individual protective measures and broader community-based sanitation efforts.
On a global scale, the situation is worrisome. Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the NCDC reports over 240,000 Chikungunya cases and 90 deaths across at least 16 countries in 2025. The outbreak in China is particularly concerning, with nearly 5,000 cases recorded since July, and Guangdong Province reporting close to 3,000 cases in a single week. Although Nigeria has yet to confirm any cases in 2025, the NCDC remains vigilant, acknowledging the risk of importation through travel and trade with affected regions. The agency underscores the importance of proactive measures to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus within the country.
The NCDC urges residents and authorities in high-risk areas to adopt preventive measures diligently. These measures include using insecticide-treated mosquito nets during sleep, wearing protective clothing that covers exposed skin, particularly long sleeves and trousers, and applying mosquito repellent, especially during the early morning and late afternoon when Aedes mosquitoes are most active. Environmental sanitation is also critical. The NCDC advises individuals to eliminate standing water around their homes, regularly empty containers that can collect water, such as tires, flower pots, and gutters, and maintain proper hand hygiene.
Furthermore, the NCDC emphasizes the importance of prompt medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as fever, rash, or joint pain, which are indicative of Chikungunya infection. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and prevent potential complications. The NCDC is actively collaborating with the National Arbovirus and Vector Research Centre and other relevant stakeholders to bolster vector surveillance, enhance disease detection capabilities, and provide support to state governments and healthcare workers in their response efforts. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen the nation’s preparedness and response capacity to effectively manage a potential Chikungunya outbreak. The NCDC remains committed to protecting the health of the Nigerian population and is actively working to mitigate the threat posed by the Chikungunya virus.
