Diphtheria scare rocks Lagos: 53 Suspected cases reported, six confirmed

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Government has reassured residents that there is currently no widespread outbreak of diphtheria in the state, even as it intensifies surveillance and preparedness measures amid an active outbreak reported in several parts of Nigeria.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, gave the assurance on Wednesday at a briefing on the state’s diphtheria preparedness and response held at the Conference Room, Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa-Ikeja.

Abayomi said Lagos was particularly vigilant because of its large population and high level of connectivity, which results in continuous movement of people between the state and other parts of the country, including areas currently recording high numbers of diphtheria cases.

“We are appealing to all Lagosians to remain calm. There is currently no outbreak of diphtheria in Lagos. We are taking precautionary measures,” he said.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical attention if they develop symptoms including severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, neck swelling, or a white or greyish membrane at the back of the throat.

He explained that diphtheria is a bacterial respiratory infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which can produce a toxin capable of affecting vital organs, particularly the heart.

According to him, swelling and the formation of a thick membrane in the throat can also obstruct breathing, making early medical intervention important.

Abayomi advised residents with suspected symptoms, particularly those who had travelled to affected states or had contact with confirmed cases, to seek medical attention promptly instead of self-medicating.

He said the state had strengthened active disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and follow-up of confirmed cases, while designated healthcare facilities were being equipped to manage suspected infections and possible complications.

The commissioner disclosed that Lagos recorded 53 suspected diphtheria cases in 2026, with six laboratory-confirmed cases.

He said all six confirmed cases were appropriately managed, while their contacts were traced and placed under observation during the incubation period.

Abayomi identified immunisation as the most effective means of preventing diphtheria and urged parents and guardians to ensure that children receive the complete three-dose pentavalent vaccination schedule at six, 10 and 14 weeks.

He said Lagos currently has about 64 per cent full vaccination coverage, leaving some children partially vaccinated or unvaccinated.

The commissioner therefore urged parents to check their children’s immunisation records and ensure that outstanding doses are completed.

He disclosed that more than 1,000 healthcare facilities across the public and private sectors in Lagos provide routine immunisation services, adding that vaccines are available free of charge at government health facilities.

Abayomi listed four designated facilities for the management of suspected diphtheria cases: Mainland Hospital, formerly Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba; Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos Island; Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

He also stressed the importance of respiratory hygiene, including covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact with others when experiencing respiratory symptoms.

With schools expected to reopen soon, the commissioner said the Ministry of Health was working with the education sector to strengthen awareness and vaccination among schoolchildren.

He added that suspected cases detected in schools would trigger appropriate contact tracing and infection-control measures.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, also urged parents to ensure that their children were fully vaccinated.

She stressed the role of the media in ensuring that accurate information about diphtheria and preventive measures reaches residents.

“More importantly, we have to make sure that all our children are vaccinated,” Lajide said.

The state government urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, stressing the importance of vaccination, early presentation at healthcare facilities and adherence to basic respiratory hygiene measures as it continues to monitor the situation.

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