NCDC Raises Alarm as Disease Outbreak in China Spreads Globally

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health alert over the risk of Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease, as global infections rise sharply.

The warning, signed by NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris, revealed that more than 240,000 cases and 90 deaths have been recorded across at least 16 countries in 2025.

China alone has reported nearly 5,000 cases since July, including 3,000 infections in Guangdong Province within just one week.

Although Nigeria has not confirmed any Chikungunya cases this year, the agency cautioned that environmental conditions in flood-affected and high-risk states could enable the spread of the virus.

Other mosquito-borne illnesses such as Dengue fever and Yellow Fever share the same transmission pattern, making the risk even higher.

How Chikungunya Spreads and Its Symptoms

The virus is transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes  the same species that spread Dengue and Yellow Fever. These mosquitoes bite primarily in the early morning and late afternoon.

Dr. Idris explained that symptoms of Chikungunya include sudden fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headache, fatigue, rash, and nausea.

While the disease is rarely fatal, it can cause long-term joint pain that significantly impacts quality of life.

Preparedness and Prevention Measures

The NCDC said it is working with state governments and the National Arbovirus and Vector Research Centre in Enugu to strengthen surveillance, laboratory testing, and rapid response.

This effort is part of the One Health approach, which coordinates human, animal, environmental, and climate health sectors.

“With increased global transmission, regional travel, and ongoing flooding, decisive action is necessary to prevent mosquito-borne diseases,” the NCDC stressed.

The agency also emphasized that community participation is vital  from eliminating stagnant water to using mosquito nets and repellents.

A Timely Warning for Nigeria

Public health experts warn that proactive measures now could prevent a large-scale outbreak.

With climate conditions and global travel increasing the threat, the NCDC’s call for vigilance serves as a reminder that prevention is the most effective defense.

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