Lagos State has recorded 10 confirmed cases of diphtheria between January 1 and March 27, 2025, prompting intensified efforts by health authorities to curb the outbreak.
According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, suspected cases have fluctuated throughout the period, with daily reports varying between one and 15 cases.
Providing an update on the situation over the weekend, Abayomi revealed that laboratory tests conducted on 76 samples confirmed 10 positive cases, while 63 returned negative.
He also stated that three additional samples collected on March 26 are still pending results.
He said the outbreak has been reported in multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs), with Eti-Osa being the most affected, recording 44 suspected cases.
According to him, other impacted LGAs include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island.
Abayomi added that to prevent further transmission, all confirmed cases are mandated to remain on admission for treatment.
The Commissioner emphasised the importance of public cooperation with health authorities in adhering to this measure.
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“As part of the state’s response, 21 individuals have received Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) treatment. The highest number of recipients—14—are from King’s College, Eti-Osa, while others were treated at Lagos State Model School, Meiran, and various locations in Alimosho, Kosofe, and Badagry.
‘Data analysis from the outbreak report indicates that cases peaked in the third, fourth, and tenth weeks of 2025, with four cases confirmed each week. However, a decline in recent weeks suggests that containment measures may be proving effective”, he said.
He further stated that contact tracing efforts have identified 118 individuals as potential contacts of infected persons. Of these, follow-ups have been completed for 100 individuals, while 18 remain under monitoring.
Additionally, he said 36 individuals across affected LGAs have received prophylaxis to prevent further spread.
“Confirmed cases have been linked to various locations, including King’s College (Eti-Osa LGA), Lagos State Model School (Meran in Alimosho LGA), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH in Mushin), De-Emmaculate School (Mile 12 in Kosofe LGA), and Gbara Junior Secondary School (Eti-Osa LGA).
“These areas are now focal points for intensified interventions, including targeted vaccination campaigns and public awareness efforts. So far, 36,310 individuals have been vaccinated as part of the ongoing immunization drive. This includes 7,473 individuals aged 9 to 17 years and 28,837 individuals aged 18 and above, among whom 13,633 are healthcare workers”, said Abayomi.
He said risk communication and public health sensitization efforts have also been strengthened through community-based mobilization and media campaigns.
As Lagos residents prepare for Eid-el-Fitr, Easter celebrations, and the second-term school vacation, the Commissioner urged strict adherence to precautionary measures.
He advised the public to maintain high levels of hygiene, wash hands regularly, use sanitizers, and avoid crowded places.
He also emphasised the need for prompt reporting of symptoms such as cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, red eyes, neck swelling, and thick grey or white patches on the throat.
“Reporting these symptoms immediately can save lives and prevent further transmission of diphtheria,” he stressed, adding that treatment for suspected cases is available free of charge at designated government health facilities.
Abayomi commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his swift intervention in managing the outbreak.
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He also acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF for providing technical assistance and resources.
He assured Lagosians that the state government, in collaboration with health partners, remains committed to intensifying surveillance, treatment, and prevention efforts.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates. Residents are advised to stay informed and adhere to all public health advisories,” he said.
The commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and urged residents to cooperate with health authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent future occurrences.
