The Lagos State Government has confirmed six cases of diphtheria in the state in 2026, following the testing of 53 suspected cases.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference on the state’s diphtheria preparedness and response in Alausa, Ikeja.
Abayomi said all six confirmed cases had been appropriately managed, while their contacts were traced and placed under observation during the incubation period.
He, however, reassured residents that there is no widespread outbreak of diphtheria in Lagos, noting that the state is strengthening surveillance and preparedness measures amid an active outbreak reported in several parts of Nigeria.
The Commissioner urged residents not to panic but to remain vigilant, particularly those who have recently travelled to areas affected by diphtheria.
He listed symptoms to watch out for as severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, neck swelling, and the presence of a white or greyish membrane at the back of the throat.
“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.
Severe swelling and a thick membrane in the throat can also obstruct breathing.
Abayomi advised residents who develop suspected symptoms, particularly after travelling to affected states or coming into 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, while ensuring that designated health facilities were equipped to manage suspected cases and possible complications.
The Commissioner identified immunisation as the most effective way to prevent diphtheria and urged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive the complete three-dose pentavalent vaccination at six, 10 and 14 weeks.
He disclosed that Lagos currently has about 64 per cent full vaccination coverage, with some children either partially vaccinated or completely unvaccinated.
According to him, the state has more than 1,000 public and private healthcare facilities offering routine immunisation, with vaccines 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 advised residents to observe 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 of Health was working with the education sector to improve awareness and vaccination among schoolchildren.
He added that suspected cases identified in schools would trigger contact tracing and appropriate infection-control measures.
