Health
Rainfall: Physician Warns Against Waterborne Diseases, Urges Hygiene
By Lilian U. Okoro
A General Physician, Dr Gerald Chinasa, has warned that persistent rainfall and flooding could increase the risk of waterborne diseases, urging Nigerians to be more conscious of environmental hygiene.
Chinasa, who is also the Head of the Medical Team, Heritage Advancement Forum (HAF), gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.
He said diseases such as malaria, cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, dysentery and acute diarrhea were likely to spike due to dirty environments, stagnant water and flood.
“Continuous rain creates room for poor sanitation. Stagnant water and gutters often containing feces are major breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease-causing bacteria,” he said.
The physician noted that floodwaters often mixed with sewage and waste, contaminating the environment.
“Refuse contains a lot of bacteria and when waste is not properly disposed of, it contaminates water sources.
“Consequently, diseases like malaria, hepatitis A, dysentery, ascariasis and cholera can be triggered by poor sanitation and unsafe water systems,” he said.
On prevention, Chinasa advised Nigerians to prioritise water safety by drinking only boiled, filtered, or chemically treated water.
He also stressed personal hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap and clean water, especially before handling food.
“Stay away from moving or stagnant floodwaters that may harbour sewage and high bacterial loads. Eat freshly cooked hot meals and wash fruits or vegetables thoroughly with safe water,” he added.
Chinasa further called for improved drainage systems and proper refuse disposal, adding that a clean and well-ventilated environment reduces disease risk.
“Enhancing hygiene practices and infrastructure is crucial. This requires sustainable technology, community involvement and government action. Community sensitisation on environmental safety is critical,” he said.
He also cautioned against self-medication, noting that “not every fever is malaria” and that pneumonia is caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infection, not cold weather.
He urged people to seek proper diagnosis and treatment at healthcare facilities.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LUC/JIN/VIV
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Edited by Jacinta Nwachukwu/Vivian Ihechu
