Thursday, September 10, 2026 - Lagos State has recorded 53 suspected cases of diphtheria in 2026, including six laboratory-confirmed cases, the state government has said.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed the
figures at a press briefing on the state’s diphtheria preparedness and response
at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic in Alausa, Ikeja. Abayomi said all six
confirmed cases had been appropriately managed, while their contacts were
traced and placed under observation during the incubation period.
He urged residents not to panic, saying there was no
widespread outbreak in Lagos and that the state was strengthening surveillance
and preparedness because of ongoing diphtheria outbreaks in other parts of the
country and the movement of people between Lagos and affected areas. “We are
appealing to all Lagosians to remain calm. There is currently no diphtheria
outbreak in Lagos. We are taking precautionary measures,” he said.
Abayomi said Lagos remained vulnerable to the importation
and spread of infectious diseases because of its large population and high
level of human movement. According to him, the state has intensified active
disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and follow-up of
cases, while designated health facilities have been prepared to manage
suspected infections and possible complications.
He explained that diphtheria is a bacterial respiratory
infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which can produce a toxin
capable of damaging vital organs, particularly the heart. The disease can also
cause swelling and the formation of a thick white or greyish membrane in the
throat that may obstruct breathing.
Abayomi advised residents experiencing severe sore throat,
fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, neck swelling, or a white
or greyish membrane at the back of the throat to seek medical attention
promptly He particularly urged people who develop such symptoms after
travelling to states affected by diphtheria outbreaks or after coming into
contact with confirmed cases to report to a health facility instead of
self-medicating.
The commissioner 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 disclosed that Lagos currently has about
64 per cent full vaccination coverage, leaving some children partially
vaccinated or completely unvaccinated.
Abayomi urged parents to check their children’s immunisation
records and ensure that any outstanding doses are received. He said more than
1,000 public and private healthcare facilities provide routine immunisation
services across Lagos, adding that vaccines are available free of charge at
government health facilities.
The commissioner listed Mainland Hospital, formerly
Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba; Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos
Island; Lagos University Teaching Hospital; and Lagos State University Teaching
Hospital as designated facilities for managing suspected diphtheria cases. He
also advised residents to observe basic respiratory hygiene by covering their
mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, washing their hands regularly and
avoiding close contact with others when experiencing respiratory symptoms.
With schools expected to reopen soon, Abayomi said the
Ministry of Health was working with the education sector to strengthen disease
awareness and vaccination among schoolchildren. He added that suspected cases
identified in schools would trigger appropriate contact tracing and
infection-control measures. “More importantly, we have to make sure that all
our children are vaccinated,” he said.
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