Susan Abayomi
The Lagos State Government has disclosed that 53 suspected cases of diphtheria have been recorded in the state in 2026, with six cases confirmed through laboratory tests.
The State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, made the disclosure during a press briefing on the state’s Diphtheria Preparedness and Response held at the Conference Room of the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa-Ikeja.
Abayomi said all confirmed cases were properly managed, while contacts of the affected persons were traced and monitored throughout the incubation period to prevent further spread.
He assured residents that Lagos was not experiencing an outbreak of diphtheria, noting that the government had intensified surveillance and preparedness efforts due to active outbreaks reported in some parts of Nigeria.
According to the Commissioner, Lagos remains highly alert because of its large population and constant movement of people between the state and other parts of the country where diphtheria cases have been reported.
He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, especially those experiencing symptoms such as severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, neck swelling, or the appearance of a white or greyish membrane at the back of the throat.
“We are appealing to all Lagosians to remain calm. There is currently no outbreak of diphtheria in Lagos. We are taking precautionary measures,” Abayomi said.
The Commissioner explained that diphtheria is a bacterial respiratory infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which can release toxins capable of affecting vital organs, particularly the heart. He added that the infection may also cause throat swelling and a thick membrane that can obstruct breathing.
He advised residents with suspected symptoms, especially those who have travelled to affected states or had contact with confirmed cases, to seek medical attention immediately and avoid self-medication.
Abayomi said the state was strengthening disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and follow-up activities, while ensuring that designated health facilities are equipped to manage suspected cases and possible complications.
He identified immunisation as the most effective way to prevent diphtheria and urged parents and guardians to ensure that children receive the complete three-dose pentavalent vaccine schedule at six, 10 and 14 weeks.
The Commissioner revealed that Lagos currently has about 64 per cent full vaccination coverage, with some children either partially vaccinated or yet to receive any dose. He encouraged parents to review their children’s immunisation records and complete missed vaccinations.
He added that more than 1,000 healthcare facilities across the state’s public and private sectors provide routine immunisation services, with vaccines available free of charge at government health centres.
Abayomi listed the designated facilities for managing suspected diphtheria cases as 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 advised residents to maintain good 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.
Ahead of the reopening of schools, the Commissioner said the Ministry of Health was collaborating with the education sector to increase awareness and improve vaccination among schoolchildren, adding that suspected cases in schools would lead to contact tracing and infection-control measures.
