The Lagos State Government has reassured residents that there is currently no widespread outbreak of diphtheria in the state, even as it intensifies surveillance and preparedness measures following an active outbreak reported in parts of Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, gave the assurance on Wednesday at a press briefing on Lagos State’s Diphtheria Preparedness and Response held in Ikeja.
Abayomi said Lagos remained vigilant because of its large population and the continuous movement of people between the state and other parts of the country, including areas currently recording high numbers of diphtheria cases.
He urged residents not to panic but to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as 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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“We are appealing to all Lagosians to remain calm. There is currently no outbreak of diphtheria in Lagos. We are taking precautionary measures,” the Commissioner assured residents.
Abayomi explained that diphtheria was a bacterial respiratory infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which could produce a toxin capable of affecting vital organs, particularly the heart.
He stressed that swelling and the formation of a thick membrane in the throat could also obstruct breathing, underscoring the need for early medical intervention.
The Commissioner advised residents who developed suspected symptoms, particularly after travelling to affected states or having contact with a confirmed case, 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 had the capacity to manage suspected infections and possible complications.
Abayomi disclosed that Lagos had recorded 53 suspected diphtheria cases in 2026, out of which six were laboratory-confirmed.
According to the Commissioner, all six confirmed cases were appropriately managed, while their contacts were traced and placed under observation during the incubation period.
Abayomi identified immunisation as the most effective means of preventing diphtheria, urging parents and guardians to ensure that their children received the complete three-dose pentavalent vaccination schedule at six, 10 and 14 weeks.
He said Lagos currently had about 64 per cent full vaccination coverage, noting that some children were either partially vaccinated or had not received the vaccines.
The Commissioner therefore urged parents to check their children’s immunisation records and ensure that outstanding doses were completed.
Abayomi said more than 1,000 healthcare facilities across the public and private sectors in Lagos provided routine immunisation services, affirming that vaccines were available free of charge at government health facilities.
He listed the four designated facilities for the management of suspected diphtheria cases as 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).
The Commissioner 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, Abayomi said the Ministry was working closely with the education sector to strengthen awareness and vaccination among schoolchildren.
He said suspected cases in schools would trigger appropriate contact tracing and infection-control measures.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Dayo Lajide, also urged parents to ensure that their children were fully vaccinated.
Lajide stressed the importance of the media in communicating accurate information to the public.
“More importantly, we have to make sure that all our children are vaccinated,” she emphasised.
