Medical professionals have raised the alarm over the increasing number of Nigerians who are repeatedly treated for malaria and typhoid without significant improvement, warning that such recurring symptoms could be masking a more serious underlying health condition—lupus.
According to healthcare experts, individuals who undergo treatment for malaria or typhoid fever up to 10 times or more annually may actually be suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease that mimics other common illnesses, making it notoriously difficult to detect.
Lupus, as explained by the Mayo Clinic, is a chronic condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues and organs. This persistent inflammation can impact several systems, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, blood cells, heart, and lungs. While the exact cause remains unclear, lupus can be triggered by environmental factors such as infections, medications, or even sunlight in genetically predisposed individuals.
Although there is currently no cure, proper diagnosis and consistent treatment can help control its symptoms and improve quality of life.
Speaking to journalists, Dr. Hakeem Olaosebikan, a Consultant Rheumatologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, described lupus as a condition often misdiagnosed in Nigeria due to its close resemblance to more common diseases like malaria and typhoid. He noted that many patients suffer for years under the wrong diagnosis, receiving multiple rounds of malaria and typhoid medications, when in reality, their symptoms are being caused by an autoimmune disorder.
“In a country like Nigeria, where malaria is highly prevalent, lupus is frequently overlooked,” Dr. Olaosebikan said. “If someone has treated malaria more than 10 times in one year without lasting relief, we must begin to think beyond infectious diseases. Lupus often presents with symptoms like fever, fatigue, joint pain, and weakness—features that are easily mistaken for malaria or typhoid.”
The rheumatologist added that lupus can silently damage several organs over time, including the kidneys, skin, and brain. He revealed that some patients with lupus end up undergoing blood transfusions due to severe anaemia, or experience unexplained hair loss and persistent skin rashes. In some advanced cases, the disease may cause kidney failure, memory loss, or even stroke.
He warned that the condition is often dubbed an “invisible illness” due to its ability to mimic other ailments, and urged Nigerians who notice prolonged or unusual symptoms despite repeated malaria or typhoid treatments to consult a specialist.
Dr. Olaosebikan further explained that lupus disproportionately affects women, with a female-to-male ratio of 10 to 1, likely due to hormonal factors such as oestrogen. While the condition is not contagious, it can run in families due to genetic susceptibility.
Despite its impact, he lamented that diagnosis and treatment of lupus in Nigeria remain a major challenge. The cost of laboratory tests and medications is high, and many of the latest, more effective treatments are not readily available locally. He called on government authorities to subsidise essential medications and raise awareness about the disease, noting that many patients are left in despair simply because they cannot afford treatment.
“Knowing the right medication exists but not being able to afford it – that alone can break you mentally,” he stated.
Also speaking, Dr. Toyosi Ilesanmi, a Consultant Dermatologist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, reiterated that lupus is a multifaceted illness that can affect virtually any organ in the body. She described the disease as complex and potentially life-threatening, especially when it targets vital organs such as the kidneys, brain, or lungs.
“When lupus affects the skin, it can result in various forms of rashes, some of which may lead to permanent scarring,” she explained. “The patient might also experience hair loss, oral ulcers, recurring joint pains, swelling of the face and limbs, and even kidney failure, which could lead to reduced urine production. If it affects the brain, it can cause stroke or memory loss. In severe cases, it may suppress bone marrow function, leading to anaemia or life-threatening infections.”
Dr. Ilesanmi emphasised the urgent need for public enlightenment about the disease and urged the media to take a leading role in raising awareness.
She noted that many Nigerians are still unaware of lupus and its symptoms, largely due to poor visibility and lack of public health education.
Both experts agreed that a nationwide campaign is necessary to educate the public and medical professionals alike, as early detection and proper management are key to reducing the devastating impact of lupus on affected individuals.