Lagos State recorded 10 confirmed instances of diphtheria between January 1 and March 27, 2025, as well being authorities intensified efforts to curb the outbreak.
Commissioner for Well being within the state, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who disclosed this whereas giving an replace on the outbreak on the weekend, stated suspected instances have fluctuated over the interval, with some days recording as many as 15 instances and others as few as one.
Offering an replace, the Commissioner revealed that laboratory exams carried out on 76 samples confirmed 10 constructive instances, whereas 63 samples returned damaging outcomes.
“One other three samples collected on March 26 are nonetheless pending outcomes”, he stated.
Abayomi disclosed that the outbreak has been reported in a number of Native Authorities Areas (LGAs), with Eti-Osa being probably the most affected, recording 44 suspected instances.
In accordance with him, different impacted LGAs embody Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island, the place varied numbers of suspected and confirmed instances have been recognized.
Abayomi emphasised that within the curiosity of public security, all confirmed instances are mandated to stay on admission for remedy.
He urged the general public to cooperate with well being authorities, noting that the measure was important to stop additional transmission of the illness.
“As a part of the state’s response, 21 people have acquired Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) remedy, with King’s Faculty, Eti-Osa, accounting for the very best variety of recipients – 14.
“Different beneficiaries have been from Lagos State Mannequin Faculty, Meiran, and varied areas in Alimosho, Kosofe, and Badagry”, the Commissioner stated.
Abayomi said that information evaluation from outbreak report reveals that the outbreak peaked within the third, fourth, and tenth weeks of 2025, with 4 instances confirmed every week.
He nonetheless, famous {that a} decline within the variety of instances in latest weeks signifies that containment measures could also be yielding constructive outcomes.“The state authorities has intensified contact tracing efforts, with 118 people recognized as potential contacts of contaminated individuals.
“Out of those, follow-up has been accomplished for 100 people, whereas 18 are nonetheless pending. Moreover, 36 people throughout affected LGAs have acquired prophylaxis to stop additional unfold”, he stated.
Abayomi famous that confirmed instances have been linked to areas corresponding to King’s Faculty in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State Mannequin Faculty, Meran in Alimosho LGA, Lagos College Instructing Hospital (LUTH) in Mushin, De-Emmaculate Faculty, Mile 12 in Kosofe LGA, and Gbara Junior Secondary Faculty in Eti-Osa LGA.
“These areas stay focal factors for intensified interventions, together with focused vaccination campaigns and public consciousness efforts”, he added.
The Commissioner reiterated that vaccination efforts concentrating on shut contacts of index instances, suspected sufferers, and frontline well being employees have been ongoing.
He disclosed {that a} complete of 36,310 people have been vaccinated to this point.
This, in keeping with him, consists of 7,473 people aged 9 to 17 years and 28,837 people aged 18 years and above, amongst whom 13,633 are healthcare employees.
He additional disclosed that threat communication and public well being sensitization efforts, which commenced on the onset of the outbreak, have been strengthened via community-based social mobilisation and media campaigns.
He suggested the general public to take care of excessive ranges of hygiene, wash palms commonly, use sanitizers, and keep away from crowded locations.
He emphasised the necessity for immediate reporting of signs corresponding to cough, runny nostril, fever, sore throat, purple eyes, neck swelling, and thick gray or white patches on the throat.
“Reporting these signs instantly can save lives and stop additional transmission of diphtheria,” he pressured, including that remedy for suspected instances is out there freed from cost at designated authorities well being services.
Abayomi recommended the management of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his swift and strategic intervention in containing the outbreak.
He additionally acknowledged the assist of the Nigeria Centre for Illness Management (NCDC), World Well being Group (WHO), and UNICEF in offering technical help and assets to fight the illness.
He assured Lagosians that the state authorities, via the Ministry of Well being and its companions, is intensifying surveillance, remedy, and prevention efforts.
“We’ll proceed to observe the scenario intently and supply common updates. Residents are suggested to remain knowledgeable and cling to all public well being advisories,” he stated.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to making sure the protection and well-being of all residents, urging them to cooperate with well being authorities to mitigate the outbreak and stop future occurrences.
We’ve bought the sting. Get real-time studies, breaking scoops, and unique angles delivered straight to your telephone. Don’t accept stale information. Be part of LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for twenty-four/7 updates →
Be part of Our WhatsApp Channel
