"I Thought It Was Malaria, Until It Nearly Killed Me"

Nigeria Daily

Nigeria Daily
"I Thought It Was Malaria, Until It Nearly Killed Me"
Jun 25, 2026
Luqman Awwal Agono

For many Nigerians, a fever, headache, or general body weakness is often assumed to be malaria, leading countless people to self-medicate without seeking proper medical attention.

But health experts warn that some of these symptoms could be signs of Lassa fever, a viral disease that continues to claim lives across the country despite years of awareness campaigns and public health interventions.

Now, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reporting 214 deaths and a case fatality rate of 25 per cent this year, concerns are growing about whether enough Nigerians can recognize the disease early enough to seek lifesaving treatment.

Join us in this episode of Nigeria Daily as we hear from a survivor who mistook Lassa fever for malaria, examine what Benue State is doing to tackle the disease, and explore how Nigerians can better protect themselves.