Health tips
Rainy season and malaria: when to test, not guess.
Fever in the rainy season is often malaria, but not always. A thirty minute test tells you which, and saves money and worry.
12 Oct 2026
Written by the Avenor clinical team. General information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried, speak to a doctor.
Between April and October, our laboratory runs many more malaria tests than in the dry months. Most people who come in with a fever expect malaria, and many are right. But a good number have something else: typhoid, a urine infection, a chest infection or a virus that will settle on its own.
Treating every fever as malaria at home can hide the real problem and waste money on medicines that will not help. A test is quick, inexpensive and gives you and your doctor a clear answer.
At Avenor a malaria test takes about thirty minutes from the finger prick to the result, and costs ₦3,500 at our example rate. You can walk in to the laboratory with a request form, or see a family doctor who will order it with any other tests you need.
In short
What to remember.
Test, do not guess
A thirty minute test tells you if a fever is malaria or something else.
Act the same day for young children
Babies, toddlers and pregnant women should be seen quickly.
Come at night if you need to
The laboratory and Emergency are open 24 hours.
Nets and standing water
Simple prevention is still the most powerful step.
More detail
Children under five, pregnant women and older people can become unwell quickly with malaria, so do not wait to see if a fever settles. Come in the same day, or to Emergency at night.
Prevention still matters most. Sleep under a treated net, clear standing water around the house, and use repellent in the evenings. Ask our pharmacy team about protection before travel.
Questions
People also ask.
Can I walk in for a malaria test?
Yes, with a request form from any doctor, or see our family doctors who will order it.
How much does it cost?
The example rate is ₦3,500, and many HMOs cover it.
What if the test is negative but I still feel ill?
Your doctor will look for other causes and may order further tests.
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Ready when you are
Book online in about two minutes, chat with our assistant, or walk in. Our care desk takes it from there.