The Family Tree of Fevers: Are Malaria and Typhoid Cousins?

Welcome, dear reader, to the strange and amusing world of Nigerian disease relationships!

First of all, let’s address the elephant in the room. No, typhoid is not malaria’s cousin. They are two completely different diseases caused by different types of bacteria and parasites, respectively.

So where did this idea come from? Well, it’s hard to say for sure, but one possibility is that it results from the prevalence of both diseases in Nigeria.

You see, in Nigeria, both typhoid and malaria are all too familiar. It’s not uncommon for people to suffer from both diseases simultaneously or even confuse the symptoms of one for the other. And let’s face it; when you’re lying in bed with a fever, chills, and body aches, it’s hard to track which disease is causing your misery.

Read also: How To Survive Malaria; Nigeria’s Unwanted Souvenir.

But let’s not forget the power of Nigerian humour in all of this. Nigerians are known for their sharp wit and ability to find humour in dire situations. The idea of typhoid and malaria being related is just a way for Nigerians to make light of their suffering. After all, if you can’t laugh at yourself, what can you do?

And let’s be real if typhoid and malaria were related; they would be one seriously dysfunctional family. With its high fever, headache, and stomach pains, typhoid would be the annoying cousin who never knows when to leave. Malaria, with its fever, chills, and fatigue, would be the lazy cousin who always shows up late to family events.

So there you have it, folks. Typhoid is not malaria’s cousin, but the idea sure has provided Nigerians with a good laugh. And in a country where laughter is often the best medicine, that’s nothing to sneeze at.