Lagos confirms 10 diphtheria cases, vaccinates 36,310

• Published On: 31 March 2025 at 06:29

Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, confirmed that 10 cases of diphtheria were recorded between January 1 and March 27, 2025.

In response to the outbreak, the state has immunized 36,310 people, he said.

In a statement released on Sunday, Abayomi revealed that the outbreak had affected several local government areas, with Eti-Osa being the most affected, with 44 suspected cases.

Other LGAs affected include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island, where a number of suspected and confirmed cases have been reported.

"Laboratory tests on 76 samples revealed 10 positive diphtheria cases, while 63 samples yielded negative results. Additionally, three samples collected on March 26 are still awaiting results," Abayomi stated.

He mentioned several locations where confirmed cases had been found, including King's College in Eti-Osa, Lagos State Model School in Alimosho, Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Mushin, De-Emmaculate School in Kosofe, and Gbara Junior Secondary School in Eti-Osa.

According to Abayomi, these areas will continue to be the focus of intensive interventions, such as targeted vaccination campaigns and public awareness campaigns.

As part of the state's immediate response, 21 people received diphtheria antitoxin treatment, with King's College in Eti-Osa having the most recipients (14). Other recipients include students from Lagos State Model School, Meiran, and various locations in Alimosho, Kosofe, and Badagry.

All confirmed diphtheria cases are now being treated in hospitals, with the state prioritizing admission for public safety.


Abayomi also provided updates on contact tracing efforts, stating that 118 people had been identified as potential contacts of infected individuals. Follow-up was completed for 100 people, with 18 contacts still pending. In addition, 36 people have received prophylaxis across affected LGAs to prevent further spread.

The commissioner emphasized that vaccination efforts were still ongoing, with 36,310 people vaccinated so far. 7,473 people are aged 9 to 17, while 28,837 are 18 and older, including 13,633 healthcare workers.

Abayomi urged Lagos residents to take precautionary measures, especially as they prepare for Eid-el-Fitr and Easter celebrations. He advised the public to maintain high hygiene standards, wash their hands frequently, use sanitizers, and avoid crowded areas.

He also urged prompt reporting of symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, and red eyes, which are signs of diphtheria.

"Reporting these symptoms immediately can save lives and prevent further transmission of the disease," according to him.

Abayomi confirmed that suspected cases can be treated for free at designated government health facilities.

The commissioner commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his swift intervention in managing the outbreak and acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, World Health Organisation, and UNICEF for their technical assistance and resources.

Abayomi concluded by assuring residents that the state government, along with its partners, would continue to monitor the situation closely, intensifying surveillance, treatment, and prevention efforts to contain the outbreak.

“We will provide regular updates and urge residents to stay informed and adhere to all public health advisories,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Lagos residents.