As Nigerians prepare for end-of-year celebrations marked by travel, reunions and communal feasting, health managers have raised concerns over a potential surge in infectious diseases commonly associated with the dry season and festive activities.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has cautioned that the festive period could heighten the spread of Lassa fever, cerebrospinal meningitis and foodborne illnesses if preventive measures are ignored.
The warning was issued by the Director-General of the agency, Dr Jide Idris, in a public health advisory signed and released on Wednesday in Abuja.
Idris explained that increased movement across states, crowded social gatherings and extensive food sharing, combined with dry and dusty weather conditions, create an enabling environment for the transmission of infectious diseases.
He described Lassa fever as an acute viral haemorrhagic illness that remains endemic in Nigeria and several West African countries, with cases often peaking during the dry season.
He said the disease is mainly transmitted through contact with food items or household materials contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rodents, while human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with the body fluids of infected persons.
Symptoms of Lassa fever, he noted, include fever, weakness, headache and vomiting, while severe cases may involve bleeding.
He stressed that early detection and prompt medical treatment greatly increase survival chances.
To reduce risk, Idris advised Nigerians to store food in well-covered containers, maintain clean surroundings, dispose of refuse far from residential areas and avoid bush burning, which could force rodents into homes.
On cerebrospinal meningitis, he described it as a life-threatening infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which is more prevalent during the dry season, particularly in northern states located within the African meningitis belt.
He said the disease spreads through respiratory droplets, especially in overcrowded and poorly ventilated spaces, and could lead to death or long-term complications such as hearing loss and brain damage if treatment is delayed.
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Idris urged the public to avoid overcrowded environments, ensure adequate ventilation, cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as stiff neck, fever, nausea, sensitivity to light or seizures occur.
He also emphasised the importance of vaccination for children and adults living in high-risk areas and warned against self-medication.
Addressing foodborne and diarrhoeal diseases, the NCDC boss said such illnesses are commonly linked to poor hygiene, unsafe water sources and improper food handling.
He listed symptoms to include diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dehydration, noting that children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems face higher risks of severe complications.
He advised Nigerians to wash hands thoroughly before and after handling food, cook meals properly, store leftovers under cool conditions, avoid eating food left exposed for long periods and drink clean, safe water.
Idris also raised concern over the misuse of antibiotics during the festive season, warning that inappropriate use contributes to antimicrobial resistance, a growing public health challenge in Nigeria.
He stressed that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections such as Lassa fever, colds and flu.
He urged Nigerians to use antibiotics only when prescribed by qualified health professionals and to complete the full course of treatment as directed.
He added that the NCDC has strengthened nationwide disease surveillance, supported state-level response efforts, ensured access to rapid laboratory testing and activated emergency response systems throughout the festive period.
Idris advised anyone feeling unwell or noticing suspected cases to report immediately to the nearest health facility or contact the NCDC’s 24-hour toll-free line, 6232.
He also encouraged regular handwashing, use of face masks in crowded or poorly ventilated places, physical distancing where possible and keeping routine vaccinations up to date.
He reiterated that timely care-seeking, maintaining hygiene, avoiding overcrowding and prompt reporting of suspected cases remain key to preventing illness and saving lives during the festive season.
NAN
