The Lagos State Government has recorded 53 suspected cases of diphtheria in 2026, with six subsequently confirmed through laboratory testing.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference on the state’s diphtheria preparedness and response at the Conference Room of the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa-Ikeja.
Abayomi said the six confirmed patients were appropriately managed, while health authorities traced their contacts and placed them under observation throughout the incubation period.
He, however, urged residents not to panic, stressing that Lagos has not recorded a widespread outbreak of diphtheria.
According to the commissioner, the state is strengthening its preparedness and surveillance systems in response to an active diphtheria outbreak reported in several parts of Nigeria.
“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 Lagos was maintaining heightened vigilance because of its large population and extensive connections with other parts of the country, including states currently reporting high numbers of diphtheria infections.
The commissioner advised residents experiencing 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.
He particularly urged people who develop such symptoms after travelling to affected states or coming into contact with confirmed cases to visit a health facility rather than resorting to self-medication.
Diphtheria, he explained, is a bacterial respiratory infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacterium can produce a toxin capable of damaging vital organs, particularly the heart, while swelling and the formation of a thick membrane in the throat can obstruct breathing.
Abayomi said the state was expanding active disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and follow-up of confirmed cases. He added that designated health facilities were being equipped to manage suspected infections and potential complications.
Vaccination remains key
The commissioner identified immunisation as the most effective way to prevent diphtheria and appealed to parents and guardians to ensure their children receive the complete three-dose pentavalent vaccination schedule at six, 10 and 14 weeks.
He disclosed that Lagos currently has about 64 per cent full vaccination coverage, leaving some children partially vaccinated or completely unvaccinated.
Parents, he said, should check their children’s immunisation records and ensure that any outstanding doses are completed.
Lagos has more than 1,000 healthcare facilities providing routine immunisation services across the public and private sectors, according to the commissioner. He added that 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).
As schools prepare to reopen, Abayomi said the Ministry of Health was collaborating with the education sector to strengthen awareness and vaccination among schoolchildren.
He added that suspected diphtheria cases identified in schools would prompt appropriate contact tracing and infection-control measures.
The commissioner also urged residents to observe respiratory hygiene by covering their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, washing their hands frequently and avoiding close contact with others when experiencing respiratory symptoms.
