Nigerians have been urged to take extra health precautions this festive season following a warning from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The agency highlighted the increased risk of infectious diseases such as Lassa fever, cerebrospinal meningitis, and food-borne illnesses due to higher travel, crowded gatherings, and widespread food sharing during the festive period.
NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, stressed that dry-season conditions further elevate the likelihood of disease transmission.
According to Idris, Lassa fever, endemic in Nigeria, is primarily spread through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, as well as through contact with the body fluids of infected persons. Early symptoms include fever, headache, weakness, and vomiting, while severe cases may result in bleeding. He advised the public to store food securely, maintain clean surroundings, dispose of waste safely, and avoid bush burning that could drive rodents into residential areas.
Cerebrospinal meningitis, he warned, spreads through respiratory droplets in overcrowded or poorly ventilated spaces and can cause death or long-term complications such as hearing loss and brain damage if not treated promptly. Nigerians were advised to avoid crowded areas, ensure proper ventilation, cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as neck stiffness, fever, nausea, sensitivity to light or seizures occur.
Vaccination for children and adults in high-risk areas was also emphasized.
On food-borne diseases, Idris noted that these often arise from consuming contaminated food or water due to poor hygiene or unsafe handling. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration, with children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals at highest risk. He urged thorough handwashing, proper food cooking and storage, and consumption of safe drinking water.
Idris also cautioned against inappropriate antibiotic use, which contributes to antimicrobial resistance, and reassured the public that NCDC has intensified nationwide surveillance, strengthened laboratory testing, and activated emergency response systems for the festive season.
He encouraged Nigerians who feel unwell or notice suspected cases to report immediately to the nearest health facility or contact the NCDC’s 24-hour toll-free line, while continuing preventive measures such as hand hygiene, face mask use in crowded areas, physical distancing where possible, and staying up to date with routine vaccinations.
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