Lagos State has recorded 53 suspected cases of diphtheria in 2026, including six laboratory-confirmed cases.
The state government, however, assured residents yesterday that there is no widespread outbreak of the disease in Lagos.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this yesterday at a press briefing on the state’s diphtheria preparedness and response held at the Conference Room, Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa, Ikeja.
Abayomi said all six confirmed cases were appropriately managed, and their contacts were traced and placed under observation during the incubation period.
He, however, urged Lagos residents not to panic, saying the state was strengthening surveillance and preparedness because of an ongoing diphtheria outbreak in several parts of the country and the continuous 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.
The Commissioner said Lagos, because of its large population and high level of human movement, remained particularly vulnerable to the importation and spread of infectious diseases.
He said the state had intensified active disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and follow-up of cases, while designated health facilities had been prepared to manage suspected infections and possible complications.
Diphtheria, he explained, is a bacterial respiratory infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which can produce a toxin that damages vital organs, particularly the heart.
According to him, the disease can also cause swelling and formation of a thick white or greyish membrane in the throat, which may obstruct breathing.
He urged residents with a 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.
Abayomi particularly advised people who develop such symptoms after travelling to states affected by the outbreak or having contact with confirmed cases to report to a health facility rather than resorting to self-medication.
He identified immunisation as the most effective way to prevent diphtheria, urging parents and guardians to ensure children receive the complete three-dose pentavalent vaccination schedule at six, 10 and 14 weeks.
The Commissioner disclosed that Lagos currently has about 64 per cent full vaccination coverage, leaving some children partially vaccinated or completely unvaccinated.
He urged parents to check their children’s immunisation records and ensure they receive any outstanding doses.
Abayomi said more than 1,000 healthcare facilities across the public and private sectors provide routine immunisation services in Lagos, adding that vaccines are available free at government health facilities.
He listed 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) as designated facilities for managing suspected diphtheria cases.
The Commissioner 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, he said the Ministry was collaborating 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.’
Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, also urged parents to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated, stressing that the media has an important role in communicating accurate information to the public. ‘More importantly, we have to make sure that all our children are vaccinated,’ she said.