*Urges residents to promptly report symptoms
Lagos is on high alert as a diphtheria outbreak tightens its grip on the State, with 10 confirmed cases recorded between January 1 and March 27, 2025.
Authorities are racing against time to curb the disease’s spread as fears mount over its potential escalation during the Eid-el-Fitr and Easter celebrations.
In a weekend update, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed that laboratory tests conducted on 76 samples confirmed 10 positive cases, while 63 returned negative results.
He added: “Another three samples collected on March 26 are still pending results.”
The outbreak has hit multiple local government areas, with Eti-Osa emerging as the epicentre, logging a staggering 44 suspected cases.
Other affected LGAs include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island.
Amid the growing concern, Prof. Abayomi, however, assured that all confirmed cases remain in admission for treatment, warning that compliance with health protocols is critical.
“In the interest of public safety, all confirmed cases are mandated to remain on admission for treatment,” he declared.
To combat the spread, 21 individuals have received life-saving Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) treatment, with King’s College, Eti-Osa, topping the list with 14 recipients. Other recipients were from Lagos State Model School, Meiran, and affected areas in Alimosho, Kosofe, and Badagry.
Prof. Abayomi painted a grim picture of the outbreak’s trajectory, revealing that cases peaked in the 3rd, 4th, and 10th weeks of 2025, with four confirmed cases each week. However, he noted that a decline in recent weeks hints at some success in containment efforts.
With the virus lurking in communities, the government has intensified contact tracing, identifying 118 individuals as potential carriers. So far, 100 have been tracked, while 18 remain unaccounted for. In a pre-emptive strike, 36 individuals across affected LGAs have received prophylaxis treatment to block further transmission.
Health authorities have zeroed in on several hotspots linked to confirmed cases, including King’s College, Eti-Osa; Lagos State Model School, Meiran; Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Mushin; De-Emmaculate School, Mile 12; and Gbara Junior Secondary School, Eti-Osa.
Abayomi assured residents that vaccination drives targeting exposed individuals, suspected patients, and frontline health workers remain in full force.
So far, 36,310 individuals have been vaccinated, comprising 7,473 children aged 9-17 years and 28,837 adults, including 13,633 healthcare workers.
He issued a stark warning about symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, neck swelling, and thick grey or white throat patches, stressing:
“Reporting these symptoms immediately can save lives and prevent further transmission of diphtheria.”
He reassured the public that treatment for suspected cases is completely free at designated government facilities.
He also acknowledged the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), WHO, and UNICEF for their critical support in supplying technical expertise and resources.
Reaffirming the State’s commitment, Abayomi said: “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates. Residents are advised to stay informed and adhere to all public health advisories.”
* Media Report