By JKNewsMedia
BETWEEN 1ST January and 27th March 2025, Lagos State says it has confirmed 10 cases of diphtheria, prompting health authorities to intensify containment efforts.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, reported that out of 76 samples tested, 10 returned positive, 63 were negative, and results for three samples collected on 26 March are pending.
Government notes the outbreak spans multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs), with Eti-Osa recording 44 suspected cases, making it the most affected.
Other impacted LGAs include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island.
In response, all confirmed cases are receiving treatment under strict medical supervision. Professor Abayomi emphasized the necessity of isolation for public safety.
To date, 21 individuals have been treated with Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT), with King’s College in Eti-Osa accounting for 14 recipients.
Other beneficiaries are from Lagos State Model School, Meiran, and locations in Alimosho, Kosofe, and Badagry.
The outbreak peaked during the 3rd, 4th, and 10th weeks of 2025, each recording four confirmed cases.
A recent decline suggests that containment measures may be effective.
Health authorities have identified 118 contacts of infected individuals; 100 have been monitored, with follow-up pending for 18.
Additionally, 36 individuals across affected LGAs have received prophylactic treatment to prevent further spread.
Key locations linked to confirmed cases include King’s College, Eti-Osa; Lagos State Model School, Meiran; Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Mushin; De-Emmaculate School, Mile 12; and Gbara Junior Secondary School, Eti-Osa.
These areas are focal points for targeted interventions, such as vaccination campaigns and public awareness initiatives.
In the meantime, government says that vaccination efforts are ongoing, targeting close contacts, suspected cases, and frontline health workers.
So far, 36,310 individuals have been vaccinated, including 7,473 aged 9 to 17 years and 28,837 aged 18 and above, among whom 13,633 are healthcare workers.
With the festivities, and school vacations approaching, Professor Abayomi urges residents to maintain high hygiene standards, wash hands regularly, use sanitizers, and avoid crowded places.
He advises prompt reporting of symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, neck swelling, and thick grey or white patches in the throat, noting that early detection and treatment are vital and available free at designated government health facilities.
The Commissioner commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his swift intervention and acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF in providing technical assistance and resources.
He reassured residents of the government’s commitment to public health and urged cooperation with health authorities to mitigate the outbreak and prevent future occurrences.
