By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
A disease long overshadowed by malaria is rapidly spreading in Nigerian communities, raising concerns among health experts who warn that the country may be facing a new and largely unrecognised public health emergency.
The disease, dengue fever, is a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, an aggressive daytime-biting species that thrives in tropical and urban environments. Although largely unfamiliar to many Nigerians, dengue is silently gaining ground across the nation, frequently going undetected due to symptoms that closely resemble malaria.
Health professionals warn that dengue is increasingly being misdiagnosed, underreported, and mistakenly treated as malaria, creating gaps that allow the virus to spread undisturbed. This trend has prompted growing fears that dengue could soon become Nigeria’s next major disease burden.
Symptoms Often Mistaken for Malaria
One of the most challenging aspects of dengue control is that most infected individuals do not show symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they typically include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, nausea, vomiting, and swollen glands, making the illness almost indistinguishable from malaria at first glance.
While many cases resolve within one to two weeks, experts warn that a second infection with a different dengue strain can trigger severe dengue, which can be fatal without urgent medical intervention.
Warning signs appear after the fever begins to drop and include:
* Severe abdominal pain
* Persistent vomiting
* Rapid or laboured breathing
* Bleeding from the gums or nose
* Blood in stool or vomit
* Extreme fatigue or restlessness
* Pale, cold skin
Patients with these symptoms require immediate hospital care.
No Specific Cure Yet
There is currently no antiviral cure for dengue fever. Treatment focuses on managing pain and dehydration. Medical professionals recommend rest, increased fluid intake, and paracetamol (acetaminophen) for fever and pain relief. Ibuprofen, aspirin, and other NSAIDs should be avoided due to the increased risk of internal bleeding.
Severe cases require hospitalisation for monitoring and supportive care. Although a vaccine known as Qdenga is available in some countries, it is currently recommended only for children ages 6 to 16 in high-risk nations. New vaccines are still under development.
A Growing Global and Local Burden
Globally, dengue cases have risen dramatically, from an estimated 505,430 infections in 2000 to 14.6 million in 2024. The disease is now endemic in more than 100 countries, including Nigeria.
Despite its presence, dengue is still not considered a national public health priority in Nigeria, a situation that has led to weak surveillance systems, low public awareness, frequent misdiagnosis, and widespread underreporting. Consequently, experts believe the true scale of dengue transmission in Nigeria remains hidden.
Urbanisation, Climate Change Fuel Spread
Factors driving the rise in dengue include rapid and unplanned urban growth, poor waste and water management, population density, and climate change. Warmer temperatures and heavy rains create ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes.
Prevention Remains the Best Defence
With no cure available, health authorities emphasise prevention:
* Avoid mosquito bites, especially during the day
* Use repellents and wear long-sleeved clothing
* Sleep under insecticide-treated nets
* Eliminate stagnant water around homes
* Clean and cover water storage containers
* Dispose of waste properly
* Use insecticides in outdoor water reservoirs where necessary
Call for Urgent National Response
Public health advocates are calling on government agencies to strengthen disease surveillance, increase community education, and improve diagnostic capacity in hospitals.
Nigeria has battled malaria for generations with determination and innovation. Now, experts say that same urgency must be directed toward dengue, which is rapidly positioning itself as a silent but potent threat.
Dengue may be new and quiet, but it is no longer invisible. Recognising the danger is the first step toward preventing a wider outbreak.