Lagos State has recorded 10 confirmed cases of diphtheria between January 1 and March 27, 2025, prompting health authorities to escalate containment measures. According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, suspected cases have varied significantly, with some days seeing up to 15 suspected cases and others reporting just one.
At a weekend briefing, Prof. Abayomi disclosed that laboratory tests conducted on 76 samples confirmed 10 positive cases, while 63 returned negative results. Three additional samples collected on March 26 remain pending. The outbreak has been reported across multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs), with Eti-Osa being the worst hit, recording 44 suspected cases. Other affected LGAs include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island.
To contain the spread, all confirmed cases are mandated to remain under medical supervision. "Public cooperation with health authorities is crucial in preventing further transmission," the Commissioner stressed.
So far, 21 individuals have received Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) treatment, with King's College, Eti-Osa, accounting for the highest number of recipients (14). Other beneficiaries were from Lagos State Model School, Meiran, and various locations in Alimosho, Kosofe, and Badagry.
Data analysis reveals that the outbreak peaked in the third, fourth, and tenth weeks of 2025, with four cases confirmed each week. However, recent trends indicate a decline, suggesting that containment efforts are beginning to yield results. To further prevent the spread, contact tracing has been intensified, with 118 individuals identified as potential contacts. Follow-up has been completed for 100 of them, while 18 remain under observation. Additionally, 36 individuals across affected LGAs have received prophylaxis.
Key locations linked to the outbreak include King’s College in Eti-Osa, Lagos State Model School in Meiran, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Mushin, De-Emmaculate School in Mile 12, and Gbara Junior Secondary School in Eti-Osa. These areas remain priority zones for targeted interventions, including vaccination and awareness campaigns.
The Commissioner noted that ongoing vaccination efforts have reached 36,310 individuals, including 7,473 persons aged 9 to 17 years and 28,837 individuals aged 18 and above. Among the vaccinated population, 13,633 are healthcare workers. Public health campaigns and community-based sensitization efforts have also been intensified.
With the Eid-el-Fitr and Easter celebrations approaching, Prof. Abayomi urged residents to maintain high hygiene levels, wash hands regularly, use sanitizers, and avoid crowded areas. He also emphasized the importance of early symptom reporting, citing cough, fever, sore throat, red eyes, neck swelling, and grey or white patches on the throat as warning signs. "Early detection and treatment at designated government facilities can save lives," he affirmed.
Commending Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his swift intervention, Prof. Abayomi acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF in providing critical assistance. He reassured residents that the government remains committed to surveillance, treatment, and prevention efforts. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates. Residents must remain vigilant and adhere to public health advisories."
The Commissioner called on all Lagosians to support the fight against diphtheria by cooperating with health officials and ensuring that children receive the necessary vaccinations. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to safeguarding public health and preventing future outbreaks.