The Lagos State government has ramped up efforts to contain a diphtheria outbreak, with 10 confirmed cases recorded between January 1 and March 27, 2025.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed that 36,310 people have been vaccinated in response to the outbreak.
Abayomi, in a statement on Sunday, revealed that Eti-Osa is the most affected local government area, with 44 suspected cases.
Other impacted areas include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island, where 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.
The outbreak has affected several institutions, with confirmed cases traced to 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 locations, according to Abayomi, are being prioritized for intensified interventions, including targeted vaccination and public awareness campaigns.
To curb the spread, 21 individuals have received Diphtheria Antitoxin treatment, with the highest number of recipients—14—recorded at King’s College in Eti-Osa. Other beneficiaries include individuals in Alimosho, Kosofe, and Badagry.
All confirmed cases are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, with the government ensuring priority admission to contain the outbreak.
Authorities have also launched an extensive contact tracing effort, identifying 118 individuals who may have been exposed. So far, follow-up has been completed for 100 individuals, while 18 remain under observation. Additionally, 36 people have received prophylaxis in affected areas to prevent further infections.
Abayomi reassured Lagosians that vaccination remains a key strategy in halting the outbreak, with 36,310 individuals immunized so far. This includes 7,473 people aged 9 to 17 years and 28,837 individuals aged 18 and above, among them 13,633 healthcare workers.
With the Eid-el-Fitr and Easter celebrations approaching, the commissioner urged residents to take extra precautions. He advised the public to maintain good hygiene, wash hands frequently, use sanitizers, and avoid crowded areas.
“Reporting these symptoms immediately can save lives and prevent further transmission of the disease,” he stressed, highlighting key symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, and red eyes. He also confirmed 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 and acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, World Health Organisation, and UNICEF in managing the outbreak.
The commissioner assured residents that the government remains committed to controlling the situation through continuous surveillance, treatment, and prevention measures.
“We will provide regular updates and urge residents to stay informed and adhere to all public health advisories,” he said.
