NCDC Issues Public Health Advisory on Chikungunya Amid Global Outbreak

NCDC Issues Public Health Advisory on Chikungunya Amid Global Outbreak

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a public health alert to raise awareness about the risk of Chikungunya virus in Nigeria. While the country has recorded no confirmed cases, officials are stepping up vigilance due to global outbreaks and local environmental risks.

What Is Chikungunya — And Why it’s a Concern

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus—the same mosquitoes that spread dengue and yellow fever. Unlike malaria vectors, Aedes mosquitoes bite during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Symptoms include sudden high fever, joint and muscle pain, headaches, rashes, and fatigue. Though rarely fatal, the disease can cause debilitating joint pain lasting for months.

Global Outbreaks Trigger Warnings

The NCDC’s advisory comes amid rising Chikungunya cases globally—over 240,000 cases and 90 deaths have been reported across at least 16 countries this year. China has been particularly impacted, with nearly 5,000 new infections in the past week alone. Flooding and standing water in many parts of Nigeria have also raised red flags about potential local transmission.

Chikungunya: Signs & Symptoms You Should Watch For

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne illness best known for its sudden, high fever and intense joint pain. This disease frequently appears alongside other ailments like fever, rash, and muscle aches, and can sometimes progress into long-term effects.

Common initial symptoms include (according to the World Health Organization):

• Abrupt onset of high fever
• Severe joint pain, often debilitating
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Red rash
  

According to CDC clinical summaries, these infections often include:

• Joint swelling or arthritis
• Lymph node involvement
• Less frequently: rash, fatigue, and other systemic complaints

Mayo Clinic adds:

• Symptoms typically start 2–7 days after a mosquito bite
• Red eyes, nausea, and headaches may also occur
• Most people recover within a couple of weeks
• However, joint and muscle pain can persist for months or years in some cases
  

Summary Table: Chikungunya Symptoms

Symptom Type	Description
Primary	Fever, severe joint pain, sudden onset
Systemic	Muscle pain, headache, fatigue, nausea, rash
Less Common	Joint swelling, lymph node involvement, red eyes
Prolonged Effects	Persistent joint pain lasting months or years for some individuals

What You Can Do Right Now

To minimize your risk, the NCDC recommends:

• Using insecticide-treated nets, even during daytime rest

• Wearing full-length clothing and using mosquito repellent during bite-heavy periods 

• Eliminating stagnant water around your home

• Practicing good hygiene and handwashing

• Seeking medical attention immediately if you experience fever and joint pain 

The NCDC is also leveraging its surveillance systems (including partnerships with the National Arbovirus and Vector Research Centre in Enugu) to boost diagnostic and response capabilities across states.