The heat this period got me thinking about a story I came across some time ago… 🤒☀️
Over a century ago, Nigeria faced one of its deadliest health crises—the 1918 influenza pandemic, also known as the Spanish Flu. This global outbreak, which killed millions worldwide, didn’t spare Nigeria. In just a few months, it spread rapidly across the country, earning the local nickname “Ofofo” (Sweating Sickness).
The virus arrived through ships carrying soldiers and merchants returning from World War I. By September 1918, it had reached Lagos, and within weeks, it spread to cities like Port Harcourt, Kano, and Onitsha, leaving a trail of sickness and death.
Symptoms? Fever, chills, cough, body pain, and—worst of all—rapid deterioration leading to death. Unlike many illnesses, this flu killed more young and healthy adults than the elderly or children—a terrifying reality for many families.
Hospitals were overwhelmed. Traditional healers tried herbs, while colonial authorities imposed quarantines and public health campaigns. But with limited medical facilities, the pandemic wiped out whole communities, affecting trade, food supply, and daily life.
By early 1919, the deadly wave had passed, but it left an important lesson—public health preparedness is crucial. Today, events like COVID-19 remind us that history can repeat itself, but with better healthcare and science, we can fight back more effectively.
Did your parents ever mention stories about the 1918 flu?
