Lagos State has recorded 53 suspected cases of diphtheria in 2026, with six laboratory-confirmed, even as the state government says there is currently no widespread outbreak of the disease.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this on Wednesday during a media briefing on the state’s diphtheria preparedness and response in Alausa, Ikeja. He, however, urged residents to remain calm while strengthening surveillance and preparedness measures to prevent possible community transmission.
Abayomi said all six confirmed cases had been appropriately managed, while contacts of the affected persons were traced and placed under observation throughout the incubation period to detect possible secondary infections.
He explained that the heightened surveillance became necessary because diphtheria outbreaks are currently being reported in several parts of Nigeria, while the high level of movement between Lagos and affected states increases the risk of imported cases and possible transmission.
“We are appealing to all Lagosians to remain calm. There is no current outbreak of diphtheria in Lagos. We are simply taking precautionary measures,” Abayomi said.
The commissioner urged residents, particularly those who have travelled to states affected by diphtheria or had contact with confirmed cases, to seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms such as severe sore throat, fever, weakness, neck swelling, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
He explained that diphtheria is a serious bacterial respiratory infection that can become life-threatening when treatment is delayed. According to him, the toxin produced by the bacteria can affect the heart, while swelling and a thick membrane in the throat can obstruct breathing and swallowing.
Abayomi identified immunisation as the most effective means of preventing diphtheria and urged parents and guardians to ensure that children receive the complete three-dose pentavalent vaccine schedule at six, 10 and 14 weeks.
He disclosed that only about 64 per cent of children in Lagos have received full vaccination coverage, leaving some children partially vaccinated or unvaccinated. He therefore encouraged parents to check their children’s immunisation records and complete any outstanding doses.
The commissioner said Lagos has more than 1,000 healthcare facilities offering routine immunisation services across the public and private sectors, with vaccines available free at government facilities.
He also identified the Mainland Hospital, formerly the 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 state government is expected to maintain heightened surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and follow-up of suspected and confirmed cases as part of efforts to prevent the disease from developing into a wider outbreak in Lagos.
