As schools prepare to reopen for a new session, the Lagos State Government has stepped up vaccination awareness and disease surveillance among schoolchildren amid diphtheria outbreaks in other parts of Nigeria.

The Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, said on Wednesday that there is currently no diphtheria outbreak in Lagos, but that the state is taking precautionary measures because of its large population and the constant movement of people from affected states.

Mr Abayomi said the Ministry of Health was working with the education sector to strengthen awareness and vaccination among schoolchildren ahead of resumption.

Suspected cases in schools, he said, would trigger appropriate contact tracing and infection-control measures.

While he described immunisation as the most effective way to prevent diphtheria, he urged parents and guardians to ensure that their children receive the complete three-dose pentavalent vaccination schedule at six, 10 and 14 weeks.

“Lagos currently has about 64 per cent full vaccination coverage, with some children either partially vaccinated or unvaccinated. There are more than 1,000 public and private health facilities offering routine immunisation services. Vaccines are available free of charge at government health facilities,” Mr Abayomi said, urging parents to check their children’s immunisation records and complete any missed doses.

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dayo Lajide, also appealed to parents to prioritise full vaccination for their children. “We have to make sure that all our children are vaccinated,” she stressed.

Lagos strengthens surveillance, designates treatment centres

According to the health commissioner, Lagos has recorded 53 suspected diphtheria cases in 2026, six of which were laboratory-confirmed. He added that the confirmed cases were treated, while their contacts were traced and placed under observation.

“We are appealing to all Lagosians to remain calm as there is currently no outbreak of diphtheria in Lagos. We are taking precautionary measures,” he reiterated.

He noted that Lagos was strengthening active disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and follow-up of confirmed cases. He added that the state was ensuring that designated facilities could manage suspected infections and possible complications.

The facilities designated to manage suspected diphtheria cases are the Mainland Hospital, formerly the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba; Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos Island; Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

The commissioner said Lagos’ status as a highly connected state required sustained vigilance, given the regular movement of people between the state and areas recording high numbers of cases.

He also advised residents to observe basic respiratory hygiene, including covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with others while experiencing respiratory symptoms.

About Diphtheria

The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes diphtheria as a disease caused by a bacterium that affects the upper respiratory tract and, less often, the skin. It produces a toxin that damages the heart and the nerves.

Diphtheria is a vaccine preventable disease, but multiple doses and booster shots are required to produce and sustain immunity. Those who are not immunised or under-immunised are at greater risk of the disease.

WHO states that symptoms of diphtheria usually begin two to five days after exposure to the bacteria. Typical symptoms of the infection include a sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands and weakness.

Within two to three days from infection, the dead tissue in the respiratory tract forms a thick, grey coating that can cover tissues in the nose, tonsils and throat, making it hard to breathe and swallow.

According to the Commissioner for Health, diphtheria, a bacterial respiratory infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, can produce toxins that affect vital organs, particularly the heart, while swelling and a thick membrane in the throat can obstruct breathing.

Mr Abayomi urged residents to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms including a severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, neck swelling, or a white or greyish membrane at the back of the throat.

He advised people with suspected symptoms, particularly those who had travelled to affected states or been in contact with a confirmed case, to avoid self-medication and visit a health facility without delay.