Lagos State has recorded 53 suspected cases of diphtheria in 2026, including six laboratory-confirmed cases, the state government has said.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed the figures at a press briefing on the state’s diphtheria preparedness and response at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic in Alausa, Ikeja. Abayomi said all six confirmed cases had been appropriately managed, while their contacts were traced and placed under observation during the incubation period.

He urged residents not to panic, saying there was no widespread outbreak in Lagos and that the state was strengthening surveillance and preparedness because of ongoing diphtheria outbreaks in other parts of the country and the movement of people between Lagos and affected areas. “We are appealing to all Lagosians to remain calm. There is currently no diphtheria outbreak in Lagos. We are taking precautionary measures,” he said.

Abayomi said Lagos remained vulnerable to the importation and spread of infectious diseases because of its large population and high level of human movement. According to him, the state has intensified active disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and follow-up of cases, while designated health facilities have been prepared to manage suspected infections and possible complications.

He explained that diphtheria is a bacterial respiratory infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which can produce a toxin capable of damaging vital organs, particularly the heart. The disease can also cause swelling and the formation of a thick white or greyish membrane in the throat that may obstruct breathing.

Abayomi 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 states affected by diphtheria outbreaks or after coming into contact with confirmed cases to report to a health facility instead of self-medicating.

The commissioner identified immunisation as the most effective means of preventing diphtheria and urged parents and guardians to ensure that 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.

Abayomi urged parents to check their children’s immunisation records and ensure that any outstanding doses are received. He said more than 1,000 public and private healthcare facilities provide routine immunisation services across Lagos, adding that vaccines are available free of charge at government health facilities.

The commissioner listed Mainland Hospital, formerly Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba; Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos Island; Lagos University Teaching Hospital; and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital as designated facilities for managing suspected diphtheria cases. He also advised residents to observe basic respiratory hygiene by covering their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, washing their hands regularly and avoiding close contact with others when experiencing respiratory symptoms.

With schools expected to reopen soon, Abayomi said the Ministry of Health was working with the education sector to strengthen disease awareness and vaccination among schoolchildren. He added that suspected cases identified in schools would trigger appropriate contact tracing and infection-control measures. “More importantly, we have to make sure that all our children are vaccinated,” he said.