Lagos Intensifies Diphtheria Surveillance, Says No Current Outbreak
Korede Abdullah 
Lagos Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government has intensified disease surveillance and emergency preparedness against diphtheria, assuring residents that there is no active outbreak of the disease in the state despite rising cases in some parts of the country.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, gave the assurance during a media briefing on Wednesday, revealing that Lagos had recorded 53 suspected diphtheria cases in 2026, out of which only six were laboratory-confirmed and successfully managed.
“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.
He explained that the state’s proactive measures were informed by the high movement of people between Lagos and states currently reporting increased cases, including Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Benue and Zamfara.
“There are two major complications associated with diphtheria. It can obstruct the airway, making it difficult for patients to breathe or swallow. The bacteria also release toxins that can enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, potentially leading to heart failure,” he said.
“The treatment for diphtheria is highly effective when the disease is diagnosed early,” he added.
The commissioner also stressed the importance of routine childhood immunisation, urging parents to ensure their children receive all three doses of the pentavalent vaccine.
According to him, only about 64 per cent of eligible children in Lagos are fully vaccinated, leaving many vulnerable to infection.
“If you have received three doses, then you have significant protection. If you have received two, one or none, then you remain vulnerable,” he warned.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, appealed to parents and caregivers to prioritise childhood vaccination, describing immunisation as the most effective protection against diphtheria.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
