A wave of fear has swept through Lagos in recent days as scores of residents report an unusual surge in persistent cough, high fever, and general malaise, with many calling on authorities to quickly identify the cause. According to reports gathered from major health facilities and clinics across the state, the cases which began increasing earlier this week are marked by symptoms that have triggered cold memories of past disease outbreaks, prompting renewed concerns about a possible resurgence of certain infectious diseases.
The situation has become a public health concern due to the sheer volume of people seeking medical attention and the speed with which news of the illness has spread. Some Lagosians, worried by the parallels with previous epidemics, have resorted to stockpiling medicines and preventing their families from gathering in public places. Health facilities, meanwhile, report a notable uptick in outpatient visits for respiratory complaints, leading to overcrowding in some local clinics and pharmacies.
Local residents expressed alarm over the alarming rate at which the illness seems to be spreading, with parents reporting that children too are exhibiting symptoms. “This cough is different,” one patient noted at a clinic in Ikeja, adding that several family members fell ill within days. “It’s not the regular cold — it’s long-lasting, and the fever persists.” These descriptions have fed online speculation about the return of the COVID-19 virus or another emergent threat.
Responding to public anxiety, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed receiving reports of the illness and said it is working with Lagos State authorities to trace its source. Laboratory investigations have been launched, including blood tests and pathogen screenings, aimed at ruling out known respiratory viruses such as Lassa fever, Ebola, and seasonal influenza, given their noted respiratory manifestations. Officials are urging the public not to panic while promising transparent updates.
Healthcare providers in Lagos have been instructed to record patient data diligently, especially those presenting with high fever and coughing lasting more than three days. The authorities are also pushing for increased surveillance and preventive measures in hospitals to avoid potential disease spread within healthcare settings. In the meantime, Lagos health officials have warned citizens against patronising unregistered drug stores and clinics, cautioning that poor treatment centres pose additional health risks.
Experts warn that while the cause of the current surge remains unclear, respiratory illnesses tend to intensify during the wetter months in Nigeria, driven by seasonal changes and weakened immune responses. They add that until laboratory results are conclusive, taking preventive hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing, using face masks in crowded spaces, and avoiding contact with sick individuals is prudent.
With Lagos already grappling with other public health challenges, including malaria and waterborne diseases, the new respiratory illness represents a potentially significant strain on the state’s healthcare system. Authorities are calling for calm reassurance and saying that citizens should remain vigilant but not alarmed as investigations continue.
