Lagos State is grappling with a confirmed diphtheria outbreak, reporting 10 cases between January 1 and March 27, according to Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi. Health authorities are now escalating control measures across multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs), with Eti-Osa emerging as the epicenter, recording 44 suspected cases.
“We are intensifying efforts to control this outbreak,” stated Commissioner Abayomi in a recent press release. The affected LGAs include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island, highlighting the widespread nature of the outbreak. Laboratory tests on 76 samples confirmed 10 positive cases, with three samples pending as of March 26.
The confirmed cases are linked to educational institutions and healthcare facilities, including Kings College in Eti-Osa, Lagos State Model School in Alimosho, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Mushin, De-Emmaculate School in Kosofe, and Gbara Junior Secondary School in Eti-Osa. “These areas remain focal points for intensified interventions, including targeted vaccination campaigns and public awareness efforts,” Abayomi emphasized.
The state has administered Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) treatment to 21 individuals, with Kings College accounting for 14 recipients. The commissioner stressed that all confirmed cases are under mandatory admission for treatment to prevent further transmission. “The suspected cases have fluctuated, showing the unpredictable nature of this outbreak,” he noted.
Data analysis reveals that the outbreak peaked in the third, fourth, and tenth weeks of 2025, with four confirmed cases each week. However, recent weeks indicate a decline, suggesting containment measures may be yielding results. Contact tracing efforts have identified 118 potential contacts, with 100 already followed up and 18 pending. “Additionally, 36 individuals across affected LGAs have received prophylaxis,” Abayomi added.
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Vaccination efforts are a cornerstone of the response, with 36,310 individuals vaccinated, including healthcare workers. “We have prioritized vaccination for close contacts, suspected patients, and frontline health workers,” he said.
Public awareness campaigns are also underway, urging residents to adhere to hygiene practices and report symptoms promptly. “Symptoms like cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, and neck swelling should be reported immediately,” Abayomi advised. Treatment is available free of charge at designated government health facilities.
The commissioner commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his swift intervention and acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Organisation (WHO), and UNICEF. “We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents,” he reiterated.
As Lagos prepares for Eid-el-Fitr, Easter celebrations, and school vacations, residents are urged to maintain vigilance and cooperate with health authorities to curb the spread of the diphtheria outbreak.
