Lagos State is on excessive alert following a diphtheria outbreak that has resulted in 10 confirmed circumstances between January 1 and March 27, 2025.
With the Eid-el-Fitr and Easter celebrations approaching, well being authorities are ramping up containment efforts to forestall additional unfold.
Offering an replace over the weekend, Lagos State Commissioner for Well being, Prof. Akin Abayomi, revealed that out of 76 samples examined, 10 returned optimistic, whereas 63 had been unfavorable. “A further three samples collected on March 26 are nonetheless awaiting outcomes,” he added.
The outbreak has been reported throughout a number of Native Authorities Areas (LGAs), with Eti-Osa recognized as the toughest hit, recording 44 suspected circumstances. Different affected areas embody Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island.
In response to the outbreak, all confirmed circumstances have been positioned below medical supervision, with therapy ongoing. Prof. Abayomi emphasised the significance of strict adherence to well being protocols, stating: “For public security, all confirmed circumstances should stay in isolation for therapy.”
To mitigate the unfold, 21 sufferers have obtained the life-saving Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT), with King’s Faculty, Eti-Osa, accounting for 14 of those therapies. Different recipients embody people from Lagos State Mannequin College, Meiran, and affected areas in Alimosho, Kosofe, and Badagry.
Prof. Abayomi famous that circumstances peaked within the third, 4th, and tenth weeks of 2025, with 4 confirmed circumstances every week. Nevertheless, current weeks have proven a decline, suggesting that containment measures are having an influence.
Authorities have ramped up contact tracing efforts, figuring out 118 people who might have been uncovered to the an infection. Thus far, 100 have been efficiently tracked, whereas 18 stay unaccounted for. Moreover, 36 people throughout affected LGAs have obtained prophylactic therapy to curb additional transmission.
Well being officers have additionally mapped out key places linked to confirmed circumstances, together with: King’s Faculty, Eti-Osa; Lagos State Mannequin College, Meiran; Lagos College Educating Hospital (LUTH), Mushin; De-Emmaculate College, Mile 12; and Gbara Junior Secondary College, Eti-Osa.
Vaccination efforts stay in full power, concentrating on at-risk people, suspected circumstances, and frontline healthcare staff. Thus far, 36,310 individuals have been vaccinated, comprising 7,473 youngsters (aged 9-17 years) and 28,837 adults, together with 13,633 well being staff.
With Eid-el-Fitr, Easter, and faculty holidays on the horizon, well being officers are urging residents to train warning. Prof. Abayomi suggested Lagosians to take care of excessive hygiene requirements, incessantly wash their arms, use sanitizers, and keep away from massive gatherings.
He additionally highlighted key diphtheria signs; persistent cough, fever, sore throat, neck swelling, and the presence of thick gray or white patches within the throat—stressing that early detection is essential. “Rapid medical consideration can save lives and stop additional unfold,” he warned.
Remedy for all suspected and confirmed circumstances stays free at designated authorities well being services.
Commending Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s swift intervention, Prof. Abayomi praised the state authorities’s decisive actions in curbing the outbreak. He additionally acknowledged the Nigeria Centre for Illness Management (NCDC), World Well being Group (WHO), and UNICEF for his or her technical and logistical help.
Reaffirming the state’s dedication to public well being, he assured residents: “We’ll proceed to observe the scenario intently and supply common updates. Lagosians are urged to remain knowledgeable and adjust to all public well being advisories.”
