As the drums roll and tables groan under festive feasts, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised a red flag, warning Nigerians to keep their guard up against Lassa fever, cerebrospinal meningitis and foodborne diseases during the yuletide rush.
The caution was issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, in a signed public health advisory, urging citizens to mix celebration with caution and place health and safety at the heart of the season.
Idris explained that the festive period, often marked by heavy travel, crowded gatherings and communal eating, creates fertile ground for infections, especially with the dry season fanning the flames of disease transmission.
“Lassa fever, according to the agency, is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness endemic in Nigeria and several West African countries, with outbreaks often occurring during the dry season.
“The disease is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rodents, while secondary transmission can occur through direct contact with the body fluids of infected persons,” he said.
He noted that symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache and vomiting could escalate to bleeding in severe cases, stressing that early diagnosis and prompt treatment could mean the difference between life and death.
To keep rodents at bay, Idris advised Nigerians to store food in tightly sealed containers, keep surroundings clean, dispose of refuse far from living areas and avoid bush burning, which could chase rats into homes.
Turning to cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), he described it as a dangerous infection affecting the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord, a menace that thrives during the dry season, particularly in northern states within the African meningitis belt.
According to him, the disease spreads through respiratory droplets, especially in overcrowded and poorly ventilated spaces, and can be fatal or leave lasting scars such as hearing loss and brain damage if not treated swiftly.
He urged Nigerians to steer clear of overcrowded environments, ensure proper ventilation, cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and seek urgent medical attention if symptoms like stiff neck, fever, nausea, light sensitivity or seizures appear. Vaccination, he added, remains a crucial shield for children and adults in high-risk areas, while self-medication should be avoided.
On foodborne and diarrhoeal diseases, Idris said contaminated food and water—often a by-product of poor hygiene and unsafe handling—were common culprits during festivities.
He explained that symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dehydration could hit hardest among children, the elderly and people with weakened immunity.
To stay safe, he advised thorough handwashing before and after cooking, proper cooking of meals, safe storage of leftovers, avoiding food left out for long periods and drinking clean, safe water.
Idris also voiced concern over the surge in inappropriate antibiotic use during festive illnesses, warning that this fuels antimicrobial resistance (AMR), an escalating public health threat.
“ AMR occurs when bacteria become resistant to antibiotics due to misuse and overuse, making common infections harder and more expensive to treat.
“Antibiotics do not treat viral infections such as colds, flu or Lassa fever,” he stressed.
He urged Nigerians to take antibiotics only when prescribed by qualified health professionals and to complete the full course as directed.
According to him, the NCDC has stepped up nationwide disease surveillance, strengthened state-level response mechanisms, ensured access to rapid laboratory testing and activated emergency response systems throughout the festive season.
He advised anyone feeling unwell or noticing suspected cases to report immediately to the nearest health facility or call the NCDC’s 24-hour toll-free line, 6232.
Idris further encouraged regular handwashing, the use of face masks in crowded or poorly ventilated places, physical distancing where possible and keeping routine vaccinations up to date.
Health experts say these simple but lifesaving steps—early care-seeking, clean environments, safe food practices and timely reporting—can help Nigerians enjoy the season without turning celebration into regret.
