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 in response to an active outbreak reported in several parts of Nigeria.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, gave the assurance on Wednesday at a press briefing on Lagos State’s Diphtheria Preparedness and Response held at the Conference Room, Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa-Ikeja.

Abayomi said Lagos, as a highly populated and connected state, remained particularly vigilant because of 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, particularly when experiencing symptoms such as severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, neck swelling and a white or greyish membrane at the back of the throat.

“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.

The Commissioner 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, while swelling and a thick membrane in the throat can obstruct breathing.

He advised residents who develop suspected symptoms, especially after travelling to affected states or having contact with a confirmed case, to seek medical attention promptly rather than self-medicate.

Abayomi said the State was strengthening active disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and follow-up of confirmed cases, while ensuring that designated facilities have the capacity to manage suspected infections and possible complications.

He disclosed that Lagos has recorded 53 suspected diphtheria cases in 2026, out of which six were laboratory-confirmed. According to him, all six confirmed cases were appropriately managed, while contacts were traced and placed under observation during the incubation period.

The Commissioner identified immunization as the most effective means of preventing diphtheria, urging parents and guardians to ensure that 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, with some children either partially vaccinated or unvaccinated, and called on parents to check their children’s immunisation records and complete any outstanding doses.

Abayomi said Lagos has more than 1,000 healthcare facilities offering routine immunisation services across the public and private sectors, adding that vaccines are available free at government health facilities.

He listed the four designated facilities for the management of suspected diphtheria cases as the 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, adding that suspected cases in schools would trigger appropriate contact tracing and infection-control measures.

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, also urged parents to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated, stressing that the media has an important role in communicating accurate information to the public. “More importantly, we have to make sure that all our children are vaccinated,” she said.
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