Lagos Records Six Confirmed Diphtheria Cases, Says Commissioner Our Correspondent

No outbreak in state, Abayomi assures residents • 53 suspected cases recorded in 2026 • Parents urged to complete children’s vaccinations

The Lagos State Government has said there is no widespread outbreak of diphtheria in the state, despite recording six laboratory-confirmed cases from 53 suspected infections this year.

Prof. Akin Abayomi Lagos state Commissioner for health making clarification over the report outbreak on Wednesday.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, gave the assurance on Wednesday at a briefing on the state’s diphtheria preparedness and response in Alausa, Ikeja.

Abayomi said Lagos was maintaining heightened surveillance because of its large population and constant movement of people between the state and other parts of Nigeria where diphtheria outbreaks have been reported.

He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, particularly those experiencing severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, neck swelling or the appearance of a white or greyish membrane at the back of the throat.

Residents who develop such symptoms, especially after travelling to affected states or coming into contact with confirmed cases, should seek medical attention promptly rather than self-medicate, he said.

According to the commissioner, all six confirmed cases recorded in Lagos in 2026 were appropriately managed, while their contacts were traced and monitored throughout the incubation period.


The state is also strengthening active surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and follow-up, while designated health facilities are being equipped to manage suspected cases and possible complications.

Abayomi identified vaccination as the most effective protection against diphtheria and urged parents and guardians to ensure that children receive the full three-dose pentavalent vaccine schedule at six, 10 and 14 weeks.

He said Lagos currently had about 64 per cent full vaccination coverage, leaving a significant number of children either partially vaccinated or unvaccinated.

The commissioner urged parents to check their children’s immunisation records and ensure that any outstanding doses are completed.


More than 1,000 public and private healthcare facilities across Lagos provide routine immunisation services, he said, adding that vaccines remain available free of charge at government health facilities.


Four facilities have been designated to manage suspected diphtheria cases: Mainland Hospital, formerly Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba; Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos Island; Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).


With schools expected to reopen shortly, the Ministry of Health is working with the education sector to strengthen awareness and vaccination among schoolchildren. Suspected infections identified in schools, Abayomi said, would trigger contact tracing and appropriate infection-control measures.


The commissioner’s assurance comes as diphtheria continues to be reported in several parts of the country, prompting Lagos to maintain heightened preparedness against possible importation and transmission of the disease.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Nigeria’s Public Health Crossroads: From Innovation to Action By Okwo Romeon

Image
Nigeria’s public health sector is at a critical crossroads: technology, emerging diseases and shifting health threats are reshaping the way care is delivered, while persistent inequalities continue to expose millions of people to preventable risks. Participants been recognised at the occasion  That was the central message at the 37th National Conference of the Professional Association of Public Health Nurses of Nigeria (PAPHNON) and the 6th Joint Conference of the Society for Public Health Professionals of Nigeria (SPHPN), held in Abuja under the theme, “Public Health in a Changing World.” The conference brought together public health nurses, physicians, researchers, academics, policymakers, development partners and other professionals to examine how Nigeria can build a stronger, more resilient and equitable health system. At the heart of the discussions was a simple but demanding proposition: innovation must translate into better health outcomes for ordinary Nigerians. “
Read more

2027 Nasarawa Elections: Youth Leader Nasiru Isah Calls for Issue-Based Voting and Peaceful Participation

Image
As preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 primary and general elections in Nasarawa State, a youth activist, Comrade Nasiru Isah, has called on citizens to prioritize competence, integrity, and genuine representation in choosing their leaders. In a message addressed to the people of the state, the Ado Youth Chairman from Karu Local Government Area emphasized that the forthcoming elections present a critical opportunity to shape the future of communities across Nasarawa. He noted that beyond electing a president, voters will also decide on key positions including governor, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and the State House of Assembly—leaders who will directly influence governance and development. Comrade Nasiru Isah Ado youths leader. Comrade Isah stressed that voting should transcend political sentiments and personal loyalties, urging citizens to focus instead on candidates with the capacity to deliver meaningful progress. According to him, the role of government...
Read more

“EL-RUFAI CAN’T BE CAGED!” — Young Kaduna Politician Sparks Buzz at ADC Convention By Okwo Romeon Abuja

Image
   “Youth Must Take Over Now!” — Aspirant Ahmad Aminu Declares Bold Ambition A rising political figure in Kaduna State, Engineer Ahmad Aminu—popularly known as “Vertical”—has stirred attention with strong remarks about his political mentor, Nasir El-Rufai, during the just-concluded convention of the African Democratic Congress in Abuja. Engineer Ahmad Aminu (AkA) Vertical  State Assembly Aspirant from Kaduna state . Speaking passionately, Aminu described El-Rufai as an unstoppable force in Nigerian politics, insisting that no effort can silence or sideline the former governor. “As long as politics is concerned in Kaduna and Nigeria, Mallam El-Rufai cannot be caged,” he declared. “He may not be physically here, but his spirit is with us.”  “He’s Our Father!” — Loyalty to El-Rufai Runs Deep Aminu emphasized unwavering loyalty among Kaduna ADC members, portraying El-Rufai as a guiding figure whose influence remains strong despite current political distractions....
Read more