Chikungunya: Nigeria Intensifies Surveillance Amid Outbreaks in Neighbouring Nations – NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a harsh advisory calling for widespread vigilance amid increasing flooding and rising mosquito populations, as the rapidly spreading virus Chikungunya causes alarming outbreaks in several nations.

The Centers for Disease Control issued a serious warning, pointing out that despite being a little-known virus, chikungunya is spreading quickly. The NCDC notes that Nigeria has not yet confirmed any cases, but cautions that the threat is not far away.
The current climate in Nigeria, especially the extensive floods, could swiftly provide the perfect environment for the disease to spread, the NCDC added.

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Chikungunya is spread by mosquito bites and results in fever, excruciating joint pain, headaches, and skin rashes. The NCDC warns that other dangerous mosquito-borne illnesses including dengue and yellow fever are also made more likely by the same environmental factors that facilitate its spread.
The NCDC described the following in its comprehensive advisory: Global transmission updates and illness prevalence; signs to look out for; and transmission channels.
The Center also offered advice on preventive measures for both individuals and communities.
The agency said it is proactively collaborating with its partners to protect public health and reduce risk, operating under the One Health concept.
The NCDC urges the media to play a leading role in educating the public and spreading preventative messages.
Time is of the essence as the nation prepares for possible outbreaks.