By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Government has assured residents that there is currently no widespread outbreak of diphtheria in the state, while strengthening surveillance and preparedness measures following an active outbreak reported in parts of Nigeria.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, gave the assurance on Wednesday during a press briefing on the state’s diphtheria preparedness and response at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa-Ikeja.
Abayomi said Lagos remained vigilant because of its large population and high level of movement between the state and other parts of the country, including areas recording diphtheria cases.
He urged residents not to panic but to remain alert to symptoms including severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, 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 a toxin capable of affecting vital organs, particularly the heart. The infection can also cause throat swelling and a thick membrane that may obstruct breathing.
The commissioner advised residents with suspected symptoms, particularly those who have travelled to affected states or had contact with confirmed cases, to seek medical attention promptly and avoid self-medication.
He said the state was strengthening active disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and follow-up of confirmed cases, while ensuring that designated health facilities were equipped to manage suspected infections and complications.
According to Abayomi, Lagos recorded 53 suspected diphtheria cases in 2026, of which six were laboratory-confirmed. He said all six confirmed cases were treated appropriately, while their contacts were traced and monitored during the incubation period.
The commissioner 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 at six, 10 and 14 weeks.
He said Lagos currently has about 64 per cent full vaccination coverage, with some children partially vaccinated or unvaccinated.
Abayomi urged parents to check their children’s immunisation records and complete any outstanding doses, adding that more than 1,000 public and private health facilities across the state provide routine immunisation services.
He said vaccines are available free of charge at government health facilities.
The four designated facilities for managing suspected diphtheria cases are 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).
Abayomi also stressed the importance of respiratory hygiene, including covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with others when experiencing respiratory symptoms.
With schools expected to reopen soon, he said the Ministry of Health was working with the education sector to strengthen awareness and vaccination among schoolchildren.
He added that suspected cases in schools would trigger appropriate contact tracing and infection-control measures.
Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, also urged parents to ensure their children were fully vaccinated, stressing the importance of accurate information in preventing public panic.
“More importantly, we have to make sure that all our children are vaccinated,” she said.
