The Lagos state government Thursday assured residents that there is no widespread outbreak of diphtheria in the state, despite an active outbreak in several parts of Nigeria.
The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, gave the assurance at a briefing on the state’s diphtheria preparedness and response in Alausa, Ikeja.
Abayomi said Lagos was strengthening surveillance because of its high population and continuous movement of people between the state and affected areas.
“We are appealing to all Lagosians to remain calm. There is currently no outbreak of diphtheria in Lagos. We are taking precautionary measures,” he said.
He disclosed that Lagos recorded 53 suspected cases in 2026, with six laboratory-confirmed cases, all of which were appropriately managed. Their contacts were traced and monitored during the incubation period.
The commissioner urged residents experiencing severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, neck swelling or a white/grey membrane in the throat to seek medical attention promptly and avoid self-medication.
He identified immunisation as the most effective prevention, urging parents to ensure children receive the three-dose pentavalent vaccine at six, 10 and 14 weeks. Lagos currently has about 64 per cent full vaccination coverage.
Abayomi said vaccines are available free at more than 1,000 public and private facilities offering routine immunisation.
Four designated facilities for suspected cases are Mainland Hospital, Yaba; Massey Street Children’s Hospital and LASUTH.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Dayo Lajide, urged parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated, saying, “More importantly, we have to make sure that all our children are vaccinated.”
