Lagos Records 53 Suspected Diphtheria Cases

The Lagos State Government has recorded 53 suspected cases of diphtheria in 2026, with six confirmed through laboratory testing.

According to a report by TheCable, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this at a press conference in Alausa, Lagos, on Wednesday saying all six confirmed cases were appropriately managed, while their contacts were traced and placed under observation throughout the incubation period.

He said there was currently no diphtheria outbreak in Lagos, adding that the government had intensified surveillance and preparedness measures in response to an active outbreak in several parts of Nigeria.

“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 said Lagos remained particularly vigilant due to its large population and continuous movement of people between the state and other parts of the country where diphtheria cases are being recorded.

He urged residents to seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms such as a severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, neck swelling, or a white or greyish membrane at the back of the throat.

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Abayomi said diphtheria is a bacterial respiratory infection caused by corynebacterium diphtheriae, which can produce a toxin capable of affecting vital organs, particularly the heart.

He advised residents, especially those who had travelled to affected states or had contact with confirmed cases, to avoid self-medication and seek medical care if they develop symptoms.

The commissioner said the state was strengthening active disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and follow-up of confirmed cases.

Abayomi identified immunisation as the most effective way to prevent diphtheria and urged parents to ensure their children receive the complete three-dose pentavalent vaccine.

He said Lagos currently has about 64 per cent full vaccination coverage, with some children only partially vaccinated.

According to the commissioner, more than 1,000 healthcare facilities across the public and private sectors have been designated to manage suspected diphtheria cases. They include the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba; Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos Island; Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

Abayomi also urged residents to observe proper 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.