Epidemic Hazard - Covid-19

A ProMED post referring to local media has informed some days ago about a recent surge of coughs, fevers, and other flu-like symptoms in Lagos (Nigeria) leading to crowded hospitals and pharmacies. Based on the limited information reported, this increase has not been described in other areas of the country and is raising locally high concern as the situation is compared by media to COVID-19 and some refer to the increase in cases due to the XFG variant in other countries. An RFI has been sent to EpiCore members in the area asking for direct documentation about the current situation in Lagos and support in the collection of further details from reliable sources. The EpiCore network has confirmed the increase in the number of cases presenting acute respiratory symptoms and the fact that several Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) have required hospitalisation in the area of Lagos. Based on the feedback collected, cases have been documented at community level but also among health workers, despite COVID vaccination. Symptoms are indicating mainly upper respiratory tract infections, with, in most of cases, initial dry cough becoming later productive, headache, generalized weakness, sneezing, hoarseness and, in some cases, loss of taste. It should be noted that other states in Nigeria are also experiencing relevant increases in SARI cases, or example Akwa Ibom State . The network has informed that national and state health authorities are closely monitoring the situation in Lagos in collaboration with the medical staff involved locally. Malaria and acute bacterial infections have been discarded: the cause is considered to be most probably viral, with multiple agents responsible. Testing for SARS‑CoV‑2 has been reported to be limited in patients and there is no ongoing screening in place, therefore COVID-19 cannot be excluded. The RFI has been supported with direct documentation about what is occurring locally however there is so far limited information about diagnostic investigation: this summary may be updated in the coming days in case of further information extracted from official sources of information, provided by the network. MEDIA REPORTS (examples): - https://africapublicity.com/nigeria-lagos-residents-battle-persistent-fevers-and-coughs-as-respiratory-infections-surge/ (Oct 19, 2025) - https://punchng.com/unusual-cough-fever-stir-panic-in-lagos/ (Oct 18, 2025) https://nationaltelescope.com/2025/10/18/lagos-residents-fear-covid-19s-return-as-strange-illness-surges/ (Oct 18, 2025