The Lagos State Government has reassured residents that there is currently no widespread outbreak of diphtheria in the state, even as it strengthens surveillance in response to active cases reported in several parts of Nigeria.
Speaking on Wednesday at a press briefing on the state’s Diphtheria Preparedness and Response at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa-Ikeja, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said Lagos remains vigilant due to high population density and constant movement of people between the state and areas recording high numbers of cases. He urged residents not to panic but to remain alert for symptoms such as severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, neck swelling, and 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. He explained that diphtheria is a bacterial respiratory infection caused by _Corynebacterium diphtheriae_, which can produce toxins that affect vital organs, especially the heart, while throat swelling can obstruct breathing. Residents with suspected symptoms, particularly after travel to affected states or contact with a confirmed case, were advised to seek prompt medical attention instead of self-medication.
The Commissioner disclosed that Lagos has recorded 53 suspected diphtheria cases in 2026, out of which six were laboratory-confirmed. All six, he said, were appropriately managed, with contacts traced and placed under observation during the incubation period. To strengthen response, the state is scaling up active disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing, and ensuring that designated facilities are equipped to manage suspected infections and complications. The four designated treatment centres are Mainland Hospital, Yaba; Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos Island; LUTH; and LASUTH.
Abayomi identified immunization as the most effective prevention method and urged parents to ensure children complete the three-dose pentavalent vaccination schedule at 6, 10, and 14 weeks. He noted that Lagos currently has about 64 per cent full vaccination coverage, with some children partially or unvaccinated. With over 1,000 public and private facilities offering free routine immunisation, he called on parents to check and complete their children’s records. He also stressed respiratory hygiene — covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, and avoiding close contact when ill.
With schools set to reopen, the Ministry of Health said it is collaborating with the education sector to boost awareness and vaccination among pupils, adding that suspected cases in schools will trigger contact tracing and infection-control protocols. Permanent Secretary, Dr. Dayo Lajide, also urged parents to ensure full vaccination and called on the media to help disseminate accurate information. “More importantly, we have to make sure that all our children are vaccinated,” she said.
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