The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has reassured residents that there is currently no diphtheria outbreak in Lagos State, though disease surveillance and response protocols have been escalated to prevent potential community transmission.
Speaking at a media briefing on the state’s preparedness, Abayomi stated that while 53 suspected cases were recorded in Lagos in 2026, only six were laboratory-confirmed and subsequently managed.
The commissioner explained that heightened vigilance is necessary due to heavy interstate travel between Lagos and northern states currently experiencing active outbreaks, including Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Benue, and Zamfara.
“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. “We are watching this outbreak expand, and we are cautious in Lagos, as always. The Executive Council always likes to err on the side of caution and increase our prevention strategies in the state.”
Abayomi warned that diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can obstruct airways or release toxins capable of damaging the heart.
“There are two major things that happen to a patient with diphtheria. First, it can block the breathing apparatus in the throat, preventing the person from breathing normally or swallowing liquids and food properly,” he explained. “Secondly, the toxin can enter the blood and travel to the heart, causing problems with the heartbeat and, eventually, heart failure.”
Residents exhibiting symptoms such as severe sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, or breathing difficulties, particularly after traveling to affected areas—are advised to seek medical evaluation immediately.
“If you have any of these symptoms, present yourself quickly to one of our primary healthcare centres or your doctor so that we can make the diagnosis, carry out the necessary diagnostic workup and start treatment as quickly as possible,” Abayomi urged. “The treatment for diphtheria is very effective if the disease is diagnosed early.”
Addressing vaccination rates, the commissioner revealed that only 64 percent of children in Lagos have full vaccination coverage. He called on parents to ensure children complete the three-dose pentavalent vaccine series scheduled at six, 10, and 14 weeks.
“If you have received three doses, then you have significant protection. If you have received two, one or none, then you are vulnerable,” he warned.
For active management of suspected cases, Lagos State has designated four specialized centers capable of handling complex complications:
Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba, Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos Island, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja
“If we suspect a case of diphtheria, we refer the patient to designated facilities. These are the four centres where we actively manage suspected cases of diphtheria. They have the capacity to make the diagnosis and manage the complications,” Abayomi stated.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, reinforced the call for childhood immunization and urged media outlets to disseminate accurate health advice without prompting unnecessary panic.