Adedokun Waliyu 
The Lagos State Government says it has recorded 53 suspected cases of diphtheria in 2026, out of which six were laboratory-confirmed positive.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, disclosed this during a press conference on the state’s Diphtheria Preparedness and Response held at the Conference Room of the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa-Ikeja.
According to him, all six confirmed cases were appropriately managed, while their contacts were traced and placed under observation during the incubation period.
He reassured residents that there is currently no widespread outbreak of diphtheria in the state, saying the government was intensifying surveillance and preparedness measures in response to an active outbreak reported in several parts of Nigeria.
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 if they experience symptoms such as severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, neck swelling, or 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. He added that 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.
The Commissioner identified immunisation 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 of charge at government health facilities.
He listed the four designated facilities for the management of suspected diphtheria cases as 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. He added that suspected cases in schools would trigger appropriate contact tracing and infection-control measures.
