The Lagos State Government has intensified surveillance and preparedness measures against diphtheria amid concerns over the spread of the bacterial infection in parts of Nigeria.
The state government, however, said there is currently no widespread outbreak of diphtheria in Lagos.
Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing on the state’s diphtheria preparedness and response held at the Conference Room, Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa-Ikeja.
Abayomi said Lagos had recorded 53 suspected diphtheria cases in 2026, with six confirmed through laboratory testing.
According to him, all six confirmed cases were successfully managed, while their contacts were traced and monitored throughout the incubation period.
The Commissioner said the state was particularly concerned about diphtheria because of Lagos’ high population and constant movement of people between the state and other parts of the country where active outbreaks have been reported.
He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, especially those who develop symptoms including 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.
Abayomi explained that diphtheria is a bacterial respiratory infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which can release a toxin capable of damaging vital organs, particularly the heart.
He advised residents with suspected symptoms, especially those who had recently travelled to affected states or come in contact with confirmed cases, to seek medical attention immediately and avoid self-medication.
The Commissioner said the government had strengthened active surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and case management to ensure early detection and containment of the disease.
He identified Mainland Hospital, formerly known as 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.
Abayomi also expressed concern over Lagos’ vaccination coverage, which he put at about 64 per cent, noting that some children remain partially vaccinated or completely unvaccinated.
He described immunisation as the most effective protection against diphtheria and urged parents and guardians to ensure their children complete the three-dose pentavalent vaccination schedule at six, 10 and 14 weeks.
With schools expected to reopen soon, the Commissioner said the Ministry of Health was collaborating with the education sector to increase awareness and strengthen vaccination among schoolchildren.
He added that suspected diphtheria cases detected in schools would prompt contact tracing and other infection-control measures.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Dayo Lajide, also appealed to parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated, while urging the media to help counter misinformation and provide residents with accurate information about the disease.
