Lagos Intensifies Diphtheria Surveillance After Six Confirmed Cases

Lagos is maintaining heightened surveillance for diphtheria after six laboratory-confirmed infections were recorded from 53 suspected cases this year.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, announced the figures during a briefing on the state’s preparedness and response to the disease.

Abayomi said the state was not facing a widespread outbreak, but authorities were taking additional precautions because diphtheria outbreaks have been reported in other parts of Nigeria.

The commissioner pointed to Lagos’ extensive population and constant movement of people between the state and other parts of the country as reasons for maintaining strong disease surveillance.

The six confirmed cases were managed, while health workers followed up with people who had been exposed to the patients.

Authorities are also using laboratory testing and contact tracing to identify possible infections. Designated hospitals have been prepared to handle suspected cases and patients who require further medical attention.

Residents have been urged to recognise symptoms early. These include severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing and swelling of the neck. The appearance of a white or greyish membrane in the throat should also prompt immediate medical assessment.

Abayomi advised residents against self-medication and urged anyone with symptoms and a recent connection to an affected area to visit a health facility.

The government is simultaneously pushing vaccination as a long-term defence against the disease. Children are expected to receive three pentavalent vaccine doses at six, 10 and 14 weeks.

The commissioner said Lagos’ full vaccination coverage was about 64 per cent, and he encouraged parents to check whether their children had completed the recommended schedule.

Routine immunisation services are available through more than 1,000 healthcare facilities across the state.

Schools are also part of the government’s preparedness strategy. The Ministry of Health is working with education authorities to strengthen information about diphtheria and encourage vaccination before and after schools reopen.

The figures released by the government highlight why the distinction between suspected and confirmed infections matters. Of the 53 cases investigated, six have been confirmed through laboratory testing.

Lagos is therefore facing confirmed cases that require continued attention, but the state government says the evidence does not currently point to a widespread outbreak.

The immediate challenge is to keep that situation under control through early diagnosis, vaccination, contact tracing and timely treatment.