Global Surge in Chikungunya Infections
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a nationwide public health advisory, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant as Chikungunya virus infections surge globally.
According to figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), more than 240,000 cases and 90 deaths have been recorded across at least 16 countries in 2025.
China is among the worst-hit nations, with nearly 5,000 cases reported since early July. Guangdong Province alone recorded close to 3,000 infections in just one week.
What is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by mosquito bites, primarily from Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes — the same species responsible for dengue and yellow fever.
Unlike Anopheles mosquitoes, which transmit malaria and bite mainly at night, Aedes mosquitoes are active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
Common symptoms include:
Sudden onset of fever
Severe joint pain
Muscle aches
Headache and nausea
Fatigue
Rash
While deaths are rare, the illness can cause prolonged joint pain lasting for months, significantly affecting quality of life.
No Cases in Nigeria — But Risk Remains
The NCDC confirmed that no Chikungunya cases have been detected in Nigeria. However, environmental factors — particularly ongoing flooding during the rainy season — make the country vulnerable to an outbreak.
Flood-affected states face an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including Chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever.
This latest alert follows an earlier nationwide advisory on preventing cholera, dengue, and yellow fever during the flood season, noting that the same precautions apply to Chikungunya prevention.
NCDC’s Surveillance and Response Measures
The NCDC said it will strengthen its surveillance and rapid response systems in partnership with state governments and tertiary institution laboratories, including the National Arbovirus and Vector Research Centre in Enugu.
These systems aim to enable early detection and swift response should Chikungunya cases be reported in Nigeria.
Precautionary Measures for Nigerians
The NCDC is urging citizens to take preventive steps seriously:
Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets
Wear long-sleeved clothing during the day
Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin
Maintain environmental sanitation
Eliminate stagnant water around homes
Seek medical attention immediately if experiencing fever, rash, or joint pain
Ongoing Government and Partner Actions
The NCDC and the National Arbovirus and Vector Research Centre are working with relevant partners to:
Enhance mosquito vector control
Support health workers in case detection and response
Intensify community awareness campaigns
Implement a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, environmental, and climate health strategies for better preparedness
Proactive Prevention is Key
While Nigeria remains free of Chikungunya, the NCDC warns that the global spread makes early prevention essential. Protecting communities will require joint efforts from government, health workers, and citizens.
