95% of Fever Cases in Lagos Not Malaria
As many as 95% of individuals presenting with fever in Lagos did not test positive for malaria, according to a recent study conducted across the state. The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, announced the findings in a post on X on Friday, September 4.
The study involved more than 78,000 participants from 514 healthcare facilities. Abayomi noted that only about 5% of those with fever were confirmed to have malaria, while the remaining 95% had other causes for their symptoms.
“Our extensive fever study found that only about 5% of those with fever tested positive for malaria. This indicates that 95% had another underlying cause for their fever,” he stated.
In light of these results, the Lagos State Government is implementing a “Test Before Treat” policy. This initiative aims to discourage residents from assuming that all fevers are due to malaria, which often leads to the self-administration of antimalarial drugs without proper diagnosis.
Abayomi underscored the risks associated with the common practice of self-medicating for malaria, particularly when patients purchase antimalarial drugs upon experiencing fever and subsequently switch to other medications if their condition does not improve.
He explained the frequent pattern: “A patient feels unwell, assumes it’s malaria, buys an antimalarial, and if they remain unwell, they move on to other medications, including antibiotics,” he said.
The commissioner emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention to receive appropriate tests and treatment based on a proper diagnosis. “The correct pathway is to see a healthcare provider, undergo a history and examination, have appropriate tests conducted, and then follow up with the correct treatment,” he added.
The “Test Before Treat” policy is rooted in the study’s findings and reflects the evolving malaria epidemiology in Lagos. Abayomi highlighted community pharmacies and patent medicine stores as critical points of care, noting that they are frequently the first destinations for residents experiencing fever.
He called for quality-assured malaria rapid diagnostic tests to be available at these locations, along with clear referral methods for patients who receive a negative result.
Abayomi urged the public to stop treating every fever as malaria, insisting that a negative test should trigger further investigation rather than a hasty switch to other medications. “My message to the public is simple: Do not assume every fever is malaria. Test before you treat,” he said.
He added, “If the test is positive, treat appropriately. If negative, do not simply move on to another medication. Identify the actual cause of the illness.”
The commissioner stated that the policy aims to foster better diagnostic practices, promote responsible use of medications, and reduce unnecessary antibiotic consumption. “This initiative focuses on better diagnosis, responsible medication use, and improved healthcare outcomes. It also aims to protect our antibiotics from overuse and assist Lagos in moving closer to malaria elimination,” he said.
