The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has confirmed that the state recorded 10 cases of diphtheria between January 1 and March 27, 2025.
In response to the outbreak, the state has vaccinated 36,310 individuals, he said.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Abayomi revealed that the outbreak had affected multiple local government areas, with Eti-Osa being the most impacted, recording 44 suspected cases.
Other affected LGAs include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island, where varying numbers of suspected and confirmed cases have been identified.
“Laboratory tests conducted on 76 samples confirmed 10 positive diphtheria cases, while 63 samples returned negative results. Additionally, three samples collected on March 26 are still pending results,” Abayomi said.
He highlighted key locations where confirmed cases had been traced, including King’s College in Eti-Osa, Lagos State Model School in Alimosho, Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Mushin, De-Emmaculate School in Kosofe, and Gbara Junior Secondary School in Eti-Osa.
These areas, Abayomi noted, would remain focal points for intensive interventions, including targeted vaccination campaigns and public awareness efforts.
As part of the state’s immediate response, 21 individuals have received Diphtheria Antitoxin treatment, with King’s College in Eti-Osa accounting for the highest number of recipients—14. Other beneficiaries include individuals from Lagos State Model School, Meiran, and various locations in Alimosho, Kosofe, and Badagry.
All confirmed diphtheria cases are currently being treated in hospitals, with the state prioritizing their admission for public safety.
Abayomi also provided updates on contact tracing efforts, noting that 118 individuals had been identified as potential contacts of infected persons. Follow-up was completed for 100 individuals, and 18 contacts are still pending. Additionally, 36 individuals have received prophylaxis across affected LGAs to prevent further spread.
The commissioner stressed that vaccination efforts were ongoing, with 36,310 individuals vaccinated so far. Of this number, 7,473 are individuals aged 9 to 17 years, and 28,837 are aged 18 years and above, including 13,633 healthcare workers.
Abayomi urged Lagos residents to adhere to precautionary measures, particularly as they prepare for the Eid-el-Fitr and Easter celebrations. He advised the public to maintain high hygiene standards, wash hands regularly, use sanitizers, and avoid crowded places.
He also called for prompt reporting of symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, and red eyes, which are indicative of diphtheria.
“Reporting these symptoms immediately can save lives and prevent further transmission of the disease,” he stressed.
Treatment for suspected cases is available free of charge at designated government health facilities, Abayomi confirmed.
The commissioner commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his swift intervention in managing the outbreak and acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, World Health Organisation, and UNICEF for their technical assistance and resources.
Abayomi concluded by assuring residents that the state government, along with its partners, would continue to monitor the situation closely, intensifying surveillance, treatment, and prevention efforts to contain the outbreak.
“We will provide regular updates and urge residents to stay informed and adhere to all public health advisories,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Lagos residents.
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