Discover the most common diseases in rainy season in Nigeria - like malaria, cholera, and typhoid - and learn simple ways to prevent them in your home and community.
Rainy season brings cooler air and green grass, but it also brings many health problems. In Nigeria, the rains often lead to dirty water, blocked drainage, mosquito breeding, and poor hygiene in both cities and villages.
That’s why many people get sick during this time. But the good news is, most of these diseases can be prevented with simple steps.
This article explains the most common diseases that come with the rainy season in Nigeria, and how you and your family can stay safe.
1. Malaria
Malaria is the most common sickness during the rainy season in Nigeria. When it rains, mosquitoes breed in stagnant water like gutters, puddles, and old containers. These mosquitoes carry the malaria parasite and bite people.
Signs of Malaria:
- High fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Body weakness
- Chills and sweating
How to Prevent Malaria:
Sleep inside mosquito nets every nightClear gutters and drain dirty water near your house
Cover water containers properly
Spray insecticide in your room once in a while
2. Cholera
Cholera is a deadly disease that spreads through dirty water and food. It causes fast dehydration and can kill if not treated early. During rainy season, flood water often mixes with sewage and drinking water especially in rural areas or slums.
Signs of Cholera:
- Watery diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Dry mouth and fast heartbeat
How to Prevent Cholera:
Boil or treat your water before drinking
Wash your hands with soap and water regularly
Keep toilets and environment clean
Avoid street food or food left open
Eat food while it’s still hot
3. Typhoid Fever
Typhoid is caused by bacteria found in contaminated water or food. During rainy season, dirty water can mix with drinking sources and cause typhoid.
Signs of Typhoid:
- Fever that comes and goes
- Weakness and tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Constipation or diarrhea
How to Prevent Typhoid:
Drink only safe or treated water4. Diarrhea and Stomach Infection
Many children and adults suffer from diarrhea during rainy season because of contaminated water and poor hygiene.
Signs of Diarrhea:
- Loose or watery stool
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Mild fever
How to prevent Diarrhea:
Always wash hands before cooking or eating
Use clean utensils and plates
Give children clean water and ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) when sick
Avoid eating food cooked long ago
5. Skin Infections and Rashes
Because of wet clothes, dirty flood water, and humid weather, people easily get rashes, fungal infections, and athlete’s foot.
Signs:
- Itching
- Red patches
- Skin peeling or wet areas
How to prevent skin infections:
Keep your body dry
Don’t walk barefoot in dirty flood water
Change out of wet clothes immediately
Use antifungal powder or cream if needed
6. Cough and Cold (Respiratory Infections)
Rainy season also brings cold winds and dust. People, especially children, catch colds or cough due to the weather change.
Signs:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Fever
- Runny nose
How to prevent cough and cold:
Keep warm during cold days
Avoid sitting in wet clothes
Eat healthy food with fruits and vegetables
Use warm water for bathing
Why Prevention Matters
Most of these diseases can be prevented from starting. If you keep your surroundings clean, drink safe water, wash your hands, and protect yourself from mosquitoes, you will be much safer.
Prevention is always cheaper and better than cure.
How Communities Can Help
By organizing clean-up days in your street or village.
By teaching children how to use mosquito nets and wash hands.
By reporting blocked gutters to local authorities
By sharing clean water and safe food with neighbors during emergency.
By Supporting and listening to community health workers who visit your area.
What to Do If You Suspect Any Disease
Don’t wait at home. Go to the nearest health centre especially if it involves:
Persistent fever that's is fever that does not get better after a day or two
Severe vomiting or diarrhea that's uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea, especially with signs of dehydration like a dry mouth or feeling very weak.
Symptoms of cholera or malaria such as shivering, high fever, and extreme weakness.
Health workers are trained to help. If treated early, these diseases can be managed easily.
In conclusion Sickness does not have to be an inevitable part of the rainy season. With good hygiene, safe water, and clean surroundings, Nigerians can stay healthy throughout the wet months.
Help spread the word share this with your community, clean your gutters, and use mosquito nets. One small action can protect many lives.