I am an oyibo woman, and my boyfriend in Abuja just told me he believes he has malaria based on his symptoms of aches, a headache, and a fever. I grew up believing malaria was a deadly disease, but he recently informed me prior to this that getting malaria is a common occurrence in Nigeria and easily treatable by readily available drugs. How concerned should I be for him? Is this true?

ChimasGirl:
I am an oyibo woman, and my boyfriend in Abuja just told me he believes he has malaria based on his symptoms of aches, a headache, and a fever. I grew up believing malaria was a deadly disease, but he recently informed me prior to this that getting malaria is a common occurrence in Nigeria and easily treatable by readily available drugs. How concerned should I be for him? Is this true?

Malaria is common with the symptoms like fever, headaches, feeling of discomfort, but with the right medication, he should be fine. In some cases, it can be fatal, resulting to very low blood sugar, organ failure, etc. A recurrence of malaria is also common even after taking several drugs.
However,if he takes preventive measures against mosquito bites seriously, and also takes immune-boosting supplements, you have nothing to worry about.

Thank you for the response. I just wanted a second opinion. He said malaria for him is like getting a cold or the flu for us. He has been using insecticide, but the mosquitoes are still making it into his home, so he needs to find a more permanent solution. He did say he was going to get medication today.

ChimasGirl:
Thank you for the response. I just wanted a second opinion. He said malaria for him is like getting a cold or the flu for us. He has been using insecticide, but the mosquitoes are still making it into his home, so he needs to find a more permanent solution. He did say he was going to get medication today.

You're welcome.
There are more preventive measures to take than just getting insecticides alone. He should get a mosquito net too, or move to a better environment as you suggested. Do not ignore the part that he could be having a weakened immune system too.

Lalasticlala

If he has a good immune system, good hygiene and maintains proper diet,malaria wouldn't be a threat. But if reverse was the case, then we go know say wahala dey.