Wants you to do

The floods are here again, ravaging parts of the country. And with them comes the possibility of outbreak of infectious diseases. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control lists possible diseases: cholera, dysentery, typhoid fever and poliomyelitis; and vectorborne diseases such as malaria and yellow fever during flooding.

With flooding comes increased risk of contamination of water supply, and contact with contaminated flood which supports the transmission of infectious diseases and can lead to outbreaks.

Flood also provides breeding ground for disease vectors. At least 16 states have seen flooding this July alone.

Around 30 states and 100 local government areas are deemed high flood risk areas, according to this year’s Annual Flood Outlook.

The NCDC issues warning to prevent outbreak of infectious diseases:

· Do not drink flood water, or use it to wash dishes, brush teeth, or wash/prepare food

· Communities should ensure chlorination of the public source of water supply

· Ensure proper disposal of waste and clearing of sewage

· Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water

· Discard all medicines, food and bottled water contaminated by flood water.

· In homes, ensure water is well boiled before drinking

· Avoid open defecation and indiscriminate refuse dumping

· Avoid mosquito bites by using an Insecticide Treated Net

· Ensure safe food preparation techniques

· If you experience sudden fever or diarrhoea, please visit a health care facility immediately

· Health workers should observe universal care precautions at all times.