Malaria is one of the most common reasons people in Lagos visit a clinic. It is caused by a parasite spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. It can be treated, but it can also become serious very quickly, especially in young children and pregnant women.
Common signs
- Fever, often with chills and sweating
- Headache and body aches
- Weakness and unusual tiredness
- Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
Many other illnesses cause the same symptoms, so a fever alone does not prove that it is malaria.
Why testing matters
Please do not buy malaria drugs without a test. A simple blood test tells us whether malaria is the cause. If it is not, treating for malaria wastes money and delays the right treatment. If it is, the right medicine at the right dose, taken to the end, clears the infection and lowers the risk of it coming back.
Go to a hospital quickly if you notice
- Fits (convulsions) or fainting
- Extreme sleepiness or confusion
- Repeated vomiting so that medicine cannot stay down
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Very pale skin, yellow eyes or dark urine
- Fever in a baby, or in a woman who is pregnant
If any of these happen, call us straight away and come in. Do not wait for the next day.
Protect your home
- Sleep under an insecticide-treated net every night
- Fit window and door nets where you can
- Clear stagnant water, blocked gutters and old containers around the house
- Keep grass short and bins covered
- Wear light clothing that covers arms and legs in the evening
Pregnancy and young children
Malaria in pregnancy can harm both mother and baby. Pregnant women should attend antenatal care and follow the preventive advice their doctor gives. Children under five should be tested promptly whenever they have a fever.
If you are worried about a fever, our team is here to test, treat and advise. Book an appointment or call us.