No link between watermelon, diphtheria, FCT dismisses fake health post

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Services and Environment Secretariat has dismissed a viral social media report linking watermelon consumption to diphtheria. The Mandate Secretary, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, stated that field investigations found no evidence to support the claim. The investigation, conducted by the FCT Public Health Department and the Abuja Municipal Area Council, disproved the allegation that a man named Mr Simeon Okoh suffered from diphtheria after eating sliced watermelon.

The investigation revealed that the address mentioned in the social media post did not correspond with the estate's road designations, and the local authorities could not identify any resident matching the description. Fasawe emphasized that diphtheria is a serious, vaccine-preventable bacterial infection, and the current outbreak in the FCT primarily affects children aged five to nine years.

Parents and caregivers are urged to ensure their children receive all recommended vaccinations, including the diphtheria-containing pentavalent vaccine. Residents experiencing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, neck swelling, or difficulty swallowing should seek medical attention promptly. The FCT Public Health Department emphasizes the importance of relying on official updates and avoiding the circulation of unverified health information.