Lagos State has intensified surveillance and preparedness against diphtheria, recording 53 suspected cases and six laboratory-confirmed cases in 2026.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said Lagos is not currently experiencing an outbreak but must remain prepared because of its large population and constant movement of people.
He said active surveillance is ongoing across the state’s 57 local government areas and development areas, with free testing and contact tracing for confirmed cases.
Abayomi identified severe sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, neck swelling and a white covering at the back of the throat as warning signs requiring urgent medical attention.
He stressed that vaccination remains the best protection against diphtheria and urged parents to ensure their children complete the recommended pentavalent vaccine doses.
Lagos has 64 per cent full immunisation coverage among children under five, with 1,127 facilities providing routine immunisation services.
The commissioner urged residents to maintain good respiratory hygiene and avoid close contact with others when experiencing respiratory symptoms.
He said the state was also working with the Ministry of Education to strengthen awareness and vaccination among schoolchildren as schools reopen.
Abayomi listed Mainland Hospital, Massey Street Children’s Hospital, LUTH and LASUTH as designated facilities for suspected cases, urging residents to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical care.
