Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has debunked a viral social media claim linking an alleged diphtheria case in Abuja to the consumption of sliced watermelon, saying field investigations found no evidence to support the report.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said the FCT Public Health Department, working with the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), conducted a field verification on September 28 after a social media post by Ivan Eagle Lawson alleged that a man identified as Mr. Simeon Okoh had contracted diphtheria in Abuja.
According to her, a multidisciplinary Rapid Response Team visited the location mentioned in the post but found inconsistencies with the estate’s road designations. “The estate management could not identify a resident matching the details provided and reported no knowledge of the alleged incident,” she said.
Fasawe said checks of the FCT diphtheria line list and records at the National Reference Laboratory, Gaduwa, also produced no corresponding record.
She added that the investigation could neither establish the identity of the man in the photograph nor link him to a confirmed diphtheria case or watermelon consumption. “The ongoing diphtheria response in the FCT continues, and residents should remain vigilant and report suspected illness promptly,” Fasawe said.
Fasawe said most cases recorded during the current FCT outbreak had occurred among children, particularly those aged five to nine, many of whom were unvaccinated.
The mandate secretary urged residents to respect privacy and avoid stigmatising individuals, communities or food vendors over unverified claims. “Residents seeking clarification should contact the FCT Public Health Department or the NCDC. Public health enquiries and alerts may also be directed to the NCDC toll-free line, 6232,” she said.
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Korede Abdullah 
Hope Ajayi 
Oluwatobi Adu 