Lagos State has recorded 53 suspected cases of diphtheria in 2026, with six cases confirmed through laboratory testing, the state government has said.
The government, however, said there is currently no widespread outbreak of the disease in the state, assuring residents that preventive and surveillance measures have been intensified.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this at a press briefing on the state’s diphtheria preparedness and response in Alausa, Ikeja.
According to Abayomi, all six confirmed cases have been appropriately managed, while their contacts were traced and monitored throughout the incubation period.
He urged residents to remain calm, explaining that the state was strengthening its surveillance and response systems because of an ongoing diphtheria outbreak in other parts of the country and the frequent movement of people between Lagos and affected states.
The commissioner noted that Lagos, with its large population and high level of human movement, remains particularly vulnerable to the introduction and spread of infectious diseases.
He said the state had consequently stepped up active disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and follow-up, while designated health facilities had been prepared to manage suspected cases and potential complications.
Abayomi explained that diphtheria is a bacterial respiratory infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The disease can produce a toxin capable of damaging vital organs, particularly the heart.
He said symptoms may include severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, neck swelling and the formation of a thick white or greyish membrane at the back of the throat.
The commissioner advised anyone experiencing such symptoms, particularly after travelling to states affected by the outbreak or coming into contact with confirmed cases, to seek medical attention promptly rather than resorting to self-medication.
He 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 vaccine schedule at six, 10 and 14 weeks.
Lagos currently has about 64 per cent full vaccination coverage, according to the commissioner, leaving some children partially vaccinated or completely unvaccinated.
He urged parents to check their children’s immunisation records and obtain any outstanding doses.
Abayomi added that more than 1,000 public and private healthcare facilities across Lagos provide routine immunisation services, with vaccines available free of charge at government health facilities.
He listed Mainland Hospital, formerly known as the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba; Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos Island; Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) among facilities designated to manage suspected diphtheria cases.
Residents were also advised 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, the Ministry of Health said it was working with the education sector to strengthen disease awareness and vaccination among schoolchildren.
The commissioner added that suspected cases detected in schools would trigger appropriate contact tracing and infection-control measures.
Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, also urged parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated, stressing the importance of accurate public health information.
