The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory over the outbreak of the Chikungunya virus in some countries.
In a statement posted on its website on Friday, the agency said more than 240,000 cases and 90 deaths have been reported this year in at least 16 countries, with China alone confirming nearly 5,000 cases since early July 2025.
Although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed cases in 2025, the NCDC warned that prevailing environmental conditions — particularly in flood-hit and high-risk states — could favour transmission.
Chikungunya is caused by a virus transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which bite during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
Symptoms typically include sudden fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and skin rash.
The centre urged citizens to prevent mosquito bites by sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, wearing protective clothing, applying repellents, and clearing stagnant water around homes.
It added that it is collaborating with health authorities nationwide to boost mosquito surveillance, support frontline workers in early detection, and run public awareness campaigns on hygiene and prevention.
“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.
