The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC on Friday, 8 August, 2025 raised alarm on the risk of Chikungunya virus transmission in the country at the moment, reports thegazellenews.com.
The NCDC, which raised the alarm through its official website on Friday, August, 8, 2025, warned that recent epidemiological reports indicate a heightened potential for outbreaks in some states.
According to health agency, Chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, the same vector responsible for dengue and Zika viruses, can cause sudden fever, severe joint pain, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and rash.
Although rarely fatal, the NCDC noted that the illness can lead to long-term joint problems in some patients.
The agency added that Nigeria’s tropical climate, coupled with the ongoing rainy season, has created favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoes, raising concerns about the spread of the disease.
NCDC urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures such as using insecticide-treated mosquito nets, applying insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and eliminating stagnant water around homes.
The agency also advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion in patients with fever and joint pain, especially in areas with reported Aedes mosquito activity, and to promptly report suspected cases to local health authorities.
The centre assured the public that it is working closely with states, partners, and communities to strengthen surveillance, laboratory capacity, and rapid response efforts.
“Nigerians must be proactive in protecting themselves from mosquito bites, as this is our most effective tool against Chikungunya,” the NCDC said.
