Lagos records six confirmed Diphtheria cases in 2026

The Lagos State Government has reported 53 suspected cases of diphtheria in 2026, with six confirmed positive through laboratory testing. Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, announced this during a press conference on the state's Diphtheria Preparedness and Response held at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic in Alausa, Ikeja.

All confirmed cases received appropriate treatment while their contacts were monitored during the incubation period. Abayomi assured residents that there is no widespread outbreak of diphtheria in Lagos, emphasizing that the government is enhancing surveillance and preparedness measures due to an active outbreak reported in several Nigerian regions.

He noted that Lagos, being a densely populated and highly connected state, is extra vigilant due to the continuous movement of people between Lagos and other parts of the country, including regions with high diphtheria case numbers. Abayomi advised residents to watch for symptoms like severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty breathing, neck swelling, or a white or greyish membrane at the back of the throat.

He appealed for calm, stating there is no outbreak currently in Lagos and that precautionary measures are being taken. Diphtheria is a bacterial respiratory infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which can produce a toxin affecting vital organs like the heart. Swelling and a thick membrane in the throat can obstruct breathing.

Residents with suspected symptoms, especially those who have recently traveled to affected states or had contact with a confirmed case, are urged to seek medical attention promptly instead of self-medicating.