Diphtheria outbreak: Lagos records 10 confirmed cases in three months

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos State has recorded 10 confirmed cases of diphtheria between January 1 and March 27, 2025, prompting intensified efforts by health authorities to curb the outbreak. Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, revealed that laboratory tests conducted on 76 samples confirmed 10 positive cases, while 63 returned negative. Three additional samples collected on March 26 are still pending results.

The outbreak has been reported across multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs), with Eti-Osa recording the highest number of suspected cases at 44. Other affected LGAs include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island. All confirmed cases are required to remain under medical supervision to prevent further transmission.

Health authorities have administered Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) treatment to 21 individuals, with King’s College in Eti-Osa accounting for the highest number of recipients at 14. Other beneficiaries were recorded in Lagos State Model School, Meiran, as well as locations in Alimosho, Kosofe, and Badagry. Vaccination efforts are also ongoing, with 36,310 individuals immunized so far, including 13,633 healthcare workers.

Data analysis indicates that the outbreak peaked in the third, fourth, and tenth weeks of 2025, with four cases confirmed each week. However, recent trends suggest containment measures are proving effective, as case numbers have declined. Contact tracing has identified 118 potential contacts, with follow-ups completed for 100, while 18 remain under monitoring.

Authorities have linked confirmed cases to institutions such as King’s College in Eti-Osa, Lagos State Model School in Alimosho, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Mushin, De-Emmaculate School in Kosofe, and Gbara Junior Secondary School in Eti-Osa. These areas are now the focus of targeted interventions, including vaccination campaigns and awareness programs.

With the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr, Easter celebrations, and school vacations, residents are urged to adhere to hygiene measures such as regular handwashing, sanitizer use, and avoiding crowded areas. The Commissioner also emphasized the importance of early symptom reporting, noting that prompt medical attention can save lives and prevent further spread.

Prof. Abayomi commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his swift response and strategic intervention in containing the outbreak. He also acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF for their technical assistance and resource mobilization.

Reassuring the public, he emphasized that the Lagos State government remains committed to mitigating the outbreak through continuous surveillance, treatment, and prevention measures. He urged residents to stay informed, cooperate with health authorities, and adhere to public health guidelines to prevent future occurrences.