NCDC Public Health Advisory on Chikungunya: Strengthening Vigilance in the Context of Global Outbreaks and Rising Flood-Related Risks

Friday, August 08, 2025

06 August 2025 | NCDC Public Health Advisory on Chikungunya: Strengthening Vigilance in the

Context of Global Outbreaks and Rising Flood-Related Risks

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is closely monitoring the global

epidemiological situation following recent reports of the Chikungunya virus outbreak in multiple

countries. According to the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Prevention

and Control, over 240,000 cases and 90 deaths have been reported across at least 16 countries so far this

year. Notably, China has recorded nearly 5,000 cases since early July 2025, with Guangdong Province

alone reporting close to 3,000 cases in a week.

Understanding Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes

albopictus mosquitoes the same vectors responsible for Dengue and Yellow Fever. Unlike the Malaria

causing Anopheles mosquitoes, Aedes mosquitoes bite during the day, especially early mornings and

late afternoons. Therefore, preventive efforts must extend beyond night-time protection.

Symptoms include sudden-onset fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash.

Though rarely fatal, the disease can lead to debilitating joint pain that may persist for months and affect

quality of life

Why This Matters for Nigeria

While no confirmed Chikungunya cases have been reported in Nigeria in 2025, the environmental

conditions conducive to outbreaks are present, especially in flood-affected and high-risk states and this

requires proactive risk reduction. With the ongoing rainy season and increased flooding across parts of

Nigeria, the risk of mosquito-borne diseases including Chikungunya, Dengue, and Yellow Fever is

significantly heightened.

This advisory builds on the NCDC’s earlier nationwide alert on flood related diseases such as Cholera,

Yellow Fever, and Dengue fever. The preventive measures outlined in that advisory remain relevant and

critical for reducing the risk of Chikungunya, Yellow fever and Dengue transmission as well.

Read the earlier flood-related advisory:

https://ncdc.gov.ng/news/529/protecting-public-health-during-flood-season%3A-ncdc-issues-

nationwide-alert-on-cholera%2C-yellow-and-dengue-fever

The existing surveillance and preparedness infrastructure of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and

Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with State Governments and Tertiary Institution Laboratories

including the National Arbovirus and Vector Research Centre (NAVRC) in Enugu, enables early

detection and rapid response to mosquito-borne threats such as Yellow Fever, Dengue, and

Chikungunya. This infrastructure will be leveraged to enhance national readiness and response to any

potential Chikungunya outbreaks.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

While Nigeria has not recorded recent cases of Chikungunya, increased global transmission, regional

proximity including through trade and travel to affected areas, and current environmental risks due to

flooding call for heightened vigilance. The NCDC and NAVRC urges all Nigerians, especially residents

and authorities in high-risk areas, to act decisively in preventing mosquito-borne illnesses.

To reduce your risk of mosquito-borne diseases:

• Use insecticide-treated mosquito nets while sleeping.

• Wear protective clothing with long sleeves and trousers

• Apply mosquito repellent on exposed skin, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

• Ensure good environmental sanitation

o Eliminate standing water collections around your homes, empty containers, tires, flower,

pots, and drain blocked gutters to prevent water stagnation to avoid mosquito breeding sites

• Wash hands frequently and practice good hygiene.

• Seek prompt medical attention if you experience fever, rash, or joint pain.

On its part, NCDC and NAVRC continue to take the following actions

• Collaborate with other relevant stakeholders to strengthen vector surveillance and control to

ensure prompt disease detection capacity across states.

• Support health workers and state governments in identifying and responding to suspected

mosquito-borne illnesses.

• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to reinforce community awareness and hygiene

promotion campaigns.

• Collaborating across the One Health spectrum including human, animal, environmental, and

climate sectors, for integrated preparedness.

Together, we can protect our communities.

Contact the NCDC for further updates, technical support, or to report symptoms:

Toll-Free Line: 6232

Website: www.ncdc.gov.ng

Social media: X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube – @NCDCGov

Signed,

Dr. Jide Idris

Director General,

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

Connect Centre