Mine did.

It started subtly. Constant sneezing. Headaches that never fully went away. A cough that felt permanent. I blamed stress, Lagos weather, even air conditioning. Mold never crossed my mind.

Until I noticed it.

Dark patches behind the wardrobe. A musty smell that refused to leave no matter how much I cleaned. That was when I learned how common mold infections are in VI, especially in poorly ventilated apartments close to water.

Here’s how I survived it.

First, I stopped pretending it would fix itself. I reported it immediately and insisted on proper treatment, not surface cleaning. Mold needs professional handling. Anything less is cosmetic.

Second, I moved out temporarily. This was the hardest decision, but staying was making me sicker. No apartment is worth your health.

Third, I treated my body as seriously as the space. I saw a doctor, followed treatment strictly, and gave my lungs time to recover. Fresh air became non negotiable.

Lastly, I changed how I choose apartments in VI. Ventilation, sunlight, drainage history, and previous flooding issues now matter more to me than aesthetics.

If you live on the Island and you’re always sick for no clear reason, check your walls. Mold thrives quietly, but its impact is damaging.

Your health will always be more expensive than rent.