Lagos State has recorded 10 confirmed cases of diphtheria between January 1 and March 27, 2025, as health authorities intensify efforts to curb the outbreak.
According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, suspected cases have fluctuated over the period, with some days recording as many as 15 cases and others as few as one.
Providing an update on the outbreak at the weekend, the Commissioner revealed that laboratory tests conducted on 76 samples confirmed 10 positive cases, while 63 samples returned negative results. Another three samples collected on March 26 are still pending results.
Prof. Abayomi disclosed that the outbreak has been reported in multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs), with Eti-Osa being the most affected, recording 44 suspected cases.
According to him, other impacted LGAs include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island, where various numbers of suspected and confirmed cases have been identified.
He emphasized that in the interest of public safety, all confirmed cases are mandated to remain on admission for treatment.
He urged the public to cooperate with health authorities, noting that the
measure is essential to prevent further transmission of the disease.
As part of the state’s response, Professor Abayomi said 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
Government has intensified contact tracing efforts, with 118 individuals identified as potential contacts of infected persons. Out of these, follow-up has been completed for 100 individuals, while 18 are still pending. Additionally, 36 individuals across affected LGAs have received prophylaxis to prevent further spread
Prof. Abayomi noted that confirmed cases have been linked to locations such as King’s College in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State Model School, Meran in Alimosho LGA, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Mushin, De-Emmaculate School, Mile 12 in Kosofe LGA, and Gbara Junior Secondary School in Eti-Osa LGA.
He noted that these areas remain focal points for intensified interventions, including targeted vaccination campaigns and public awareness efforts.
The Commissioner reiterated that vaccination efforts targeting close contacts of index cases, suspected patients, and frontline health workers remain ongoing. He disclosed that a total of 36,310 individuals have been vaccinated so far.
This, according to him, includes 7,473 individuals aged 9 to 17 years and 28,837 individuals aged 18 years and above, among whom 13,633 are healthcare workers. He further disclosed that risk communication and public health sensitization efforts, which commenced at the onset of the outbreak, have been reinforced through community-based social mobilization and media campaigns.
The Commissioner urged strict adherence to precautionary measures. He advised the public to maintain high levels of hygiene, wash hands regularly, use sanitizers, and avoid crowded places.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
