Nigeria’s public health agency has warned of a potential threat from Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease, amid rising global cases.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said more than 240,000 cases and 90 deaths have been recorded in at least 16 countries in 2025. China has reported nearly 5,000 infections since July, with 3,000 in Guangdong Province in one week. Although no cases have been confirmed in Nigeria this year, the NCDC said flooding and environmental conditions in some states could favour the spread of Chikungunya and other mosquito-borne illnesses, including Dengue and Yellow Fever.
The disease is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which also spread Dengue and Yellow Fever. Symptoms include sudden fever, severe joint pain, headache, fatigue, rash and nausea. While rarely fatal, it can cause long-term joint pain. The NCDC said it is working with state governments, laboratories, and vector research centres to strengthen detection and response under a “One Health” approach. “With increased global transmission, regional travel, and flooding, we must act decisively,” the agency said, urging communities to help reduce mosquito breeding sites.
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