HealthScapades #9 | An SOS to Mosquito Nets | 14.08.2024
by Tayo Fasuan
I arrived in Ibadan in December 2009, leaving Lagos after a few months there to continue my journalistic training at the International Institute of Journalism. Apart from this reason, I also needed to leave because of my mental health. Lagos was already showing me shege, and I couldn’t stand it anymore.
On getting to Ibadan, I was confused about why Ibadan was called one of the dirtiest cities in Nigeria. Most of the common and well-known areas in the city were slums, just like in some parts of Lagos. There were also beautiful, clean, and well-groomed places.
Because of these similarities, the two cities shared another notorious feature—mosquitoes. The mosquitoes of Lagos and Ibadan were brutal and perhaps cannibalistic, too, with the aggression and persistence with which they bit. It’s no wonder that one of my ‘favourite’ illnesses quickly became malaria.
One of the suggested ways of preventing mosquito bites is to wear long-sleeved clothes. But one other thing that Lagos and Ibadan shared was the annoying heat during the night. Of course, the heat of Lagos was greater than that of Ibadan. Nonetheless, it was still hot. Because of this, wearing clothes that cover the body at night to prevent mosquito bites was not possible. And I started a monthly purchase of antimalarial drugs since I always got sick. This would continue for the next few years.
This was when I met Andrew. Andrew was my coursemate during my time studying for my master’s degree at the University of Ibadan. He was also my best friend during those periods of shared academic pursuit. A great and funny guy, he was from Benin City in Edo State, so you can imagine his accurate Pidgin English.
I was ranting one day about mosquitoes and malaria to Andrew when he said I should follow him home. When I got to his place for the first time, he showed me his bed and the mosquito net there and launched a passionate plea.
“Guy, nothing wey anyone fit tell me, net na the answer. I don use Raid tire. But these mosquitoes no dey die. Osalobua! I no know which kain species be Ìbàdàn mosquitoes…!”
I listened to him with rapt attention while laughing at him at the same time. But I told him I won’t be using a mosquito net. No, not! The idea of being enclosed on my bed was strangely claustrophobic to me, so I rejected Andrew’s advice, which was almost bordering on begging me.
A few months later, an alarming case led me to a complete change of mind. I had a strange malaria that involved a stomachache. And as usual, I consulted my medical textbooks. That was when I saw that the complications of malaria included renal failure, severe anaemia and neurological issues such as cerebral malaria.
Fear drove me into panic and further investigations. I knew I was being bitten regularly by mosquitoes, so I’m always positive for malaria parasite tests. But the complications, as well as my stomach pains, made me rethink my life.
Eventually, I was able to discover that the stomach pain I had was due to typhoid fever, which I quickly treated with ciprofloxacin antibiotics. But at the same time, I made the most important decision for my health. I started using a mosquito net. Andrew almost had a Thanksgiving in church.
For a mosquito-endemic zone like Nigeria, the most preventive measure is to use mosquito nets. Though people complain about skin reactions to treated nets, one can use ordinary nets to prevent bites. Of course, using insecticides can also work, but experience has shown me that mosquitoes are and will eventually get resistant to some repeatedly used insecticides. I told a friend and colleague that a few days ago.
So if you are an Ibadan or Lagos resident, or a resident of any mosquito-infested area, why don’t you send an SOS and save your health by getting a mosquito net? With other preventive measures, it will help against malaria, I promise you.