EMERGING THREATS, OLD DANGERS: WHAT NIGERIA'S DOCTORS AND COMMUNITIES NEED TO KNOW

Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases remain a major concern for Nigeria. Their spread is influenced by zoonotic transmission, climate change, urbanisation, globalisation, poor sanitation, declining immunisation and social inequalities. Lassa fever, diphtheria, mpox and rabies demonstrate how familiar diseases can return or expand when surveillance, vaccination and prevention are weakened. Nigeria’s response therefore requires more than hospital treatment. Early recognition in primary care, effective surveillance, timely reporting, vaccination, environmental control and community education are essential. A One Health approach is also important because human, animal and environmental health are closely connected. Clinicians should remain alert to unusual illness, relevant animal and environmental exposures, and vaccine-preventable diseases. Stronger collaboration between health workers, communities, veterinary services and public health authorities is needed to detect threats early and respond effectively.