The Lagos State Government has urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, advising anyone who develops symptoms suggestive of diphtheria to seek prompt medical attention.
The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, gave the assurance on Wednesday at a press briefing on Lagos State’s Diphtheria Preparedness and Response, held at the Conference Room of the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa-Ikeja.
Abayomi said there was currently no widespread outbreak of diphtheria in Lagos, although an active outbreak had been reported in several parts of Nigeria.
He explained that Lagos remained particularly vigilant because of its large and highly connected population and the continuous movement of people between the state and other parts of the country, including areas recording high numbers of diphtheria cases.
“We are appealing to all Lagosians to remain calm. There is currently no outbreak of diphtheria in Lagos. We are taking precautionary measures,” Abayomi said.
The Commissioner said symptoms of diphtheria could include severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, neck swelling, and the development of a white or greyish membrane at the back of the throat.
He explained that diphtheria is a bacterial respiratory infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which can produce a toxin capable of affecting vital organs, particularly the heart. He added that swelling and the formation of a thick membrane in the throat could obstruct breathing.
Abayomi advised residents who develop suspected symptoms, particularly those who have travelled to affected states or had contact with a confirmed case, to seek medical attention promptly rather than self-medicate.
He said the State was strengthening active disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and follow-up of confirmed cases. He added that designated health facilities were being equipped with the capacity to manage suspected infections and possible complications.
The Commissioner disclosed that Lagos had recorded 53 suspected diphtheria cases in 2026, of which six were laboratory-confirmed.
According to him, all six confirmed cases were appropriately managed, while contacts were traced and placed under observation and treated where necessary.
Abayomi reiterated the importance of early detection and prompt medical intervention, urging residents to report suspected cases and cooperate with public health officials as the State intensifies its preparedness and response measures.
