Lagos State has recorded 53 suspected cases of diphtheria in 2026, including six laboratory-confirmed cases, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has disclosed.
Abayomi, however, said the state had not recorded a widespread outbreak of the potentially fatal bacterial infection, assuring residents that the government had strengthened surveillance and response measures to prevent further transmission.
The Commissioner spoke yesterday at a press briefing on Lagos State’s Diphtheria Preparedness and Response held at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa, Ikeja.
He said all six confirmed cases had been appropriately managed, while their contacts were traced and monitored throughout the incubation period.
Abayomi said Lagos was maintaining heightened vigilance because of its large population and constant movement of people between the state and other parts of the country where diphtheria outbreaks are ongoing.
“There is currently no outbreak of diphtheria in Lagos. We are taking precautionary measures,” he said, urging residents to remain calm but vigilant.
He advised residents to seek immediate medical attention if they develop severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, neck swelling or a white or greyish membrane at the back of the throat.
According to him, prompt treatment is critical because diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a bacterium capable of producing a toxin that can damage vital organs, particularly the heart.
He said the thick membrane and swelling associated with the disease could also obstruct the airway and cause breathing difficulties.
The Commissioner said the state had intensified active disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and follow-up of confirmed cases, while designated health facilities had been equipped to manage suspected infections and possible complications.
Abayomi identified immunisation as the most effective protection against diphtheria, urging parents and guardians to ensure that children receive all three doses of the pentavalent vaccine at six, 10 and 14 weeks.
He expressed concern over Lagos’ current full vaccination coverage of about 64 per cent, noting that some children remained partially vaccinated or completely unvaccinated.
He therefore urged parents to check their children’s immunisation records and ensure that outstanding doses are received.
The Commissioner said more than 1,000 public and private healthcare facilities across Lagos provide routine immunisation, adding that vaccines are available free of charge at government health facilities.
He also listed 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 designated facilities for managing suspected diphtheria cases.
With schools expected to reopen soon, Abayomi said the Ministry was collaborating with the education sector to strengthen awareness and vaccination among schoolchildren.
He added that suspected cases detected in schools would trigger contact tracing and appropriate 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.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, also urged parents to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated.
She called for accurate public information on diphtheria, stressing the role of the media in preventing misinformation and encouraging vaccination.
“More importantly, we have to make sure that all our children are vaccinated,” Lajide said.