Summary: Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has confirmed there is no diphtheria outbreak in Lagos, even as health authorities remain on high alert with active surveillance measures in place.
Lagosians, breathe easy — the state government has your back.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has come out to reassure residents that there is no diphtheria outbreak currently happening in Lagos State. For a city of over 20 million hustling, bustling people, this is certainly news worth celebrating.
However, before you go back to your suya* and pepper soup without a second thought, the Commissioner made it clear that health authorities are not resting on their oars. Disease surveillance and response protocols have been activated and are fully operational — because in public health, as any Nigerian mother will tell you, *”e don happen before e happen” is never the right approach.
What Is Diphtheria and Why Should You Care?
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and airways. It spreads through respiratory droplets — meaning a cough or sneeze in a crowded danfo or market could potentially pass it along. Symptoms include a severe sore throat, fever, and a thick grey membrane that forms at the back of the throat, making breathing difficult.
The disease is vaccine-preventable, which is why health officials continue to stress the importance of childhood immunisation. If your children are up to date on their vaccinations, you are already ahead of the game.
Lagos Is Watching — And Acting
While there may be no outbreak to report in Lagos, the Commissioner’s statement is a timely reminder that Nigerian health authorities are actively monitoring the situation, particularly given that diphtheria cases have been recorded in other parts of the country.
The Lagos State Ministry of Health has activated its disease surveillance and response protocols as a precautionary measure. This means health workers across the state are on alert, monitoring hospitals, clinics, and communities for any suspicious cases.
Think of it as Lagos doing what Lagos does best — staying one step ahead.
What You Can Do as a Lagosian
You don’t have to be a medical professional to play your part in keeping your community safe. Here’s what you can do right now:
– ✅ Ensure your children are vaccinated — Check their immunisation cards and visit the nearest Primary Health Care (PHC) centre if any doses are outstanding
– ✅ Practice good hygiene — Regular handwashing is not just for COVID times; it is a lifestyle
– ✅ Avoid self-medication — If you or anyone in your household develops a severe sore throat with fever, visit a hospital immediately. Do not be a Mama Put doctor and start prescribing agbo or random antibiotics
– ✅ Report suspicious symptoms — Contact the Lagos State Health Emergency line if you notice anything unusual in your community
The Bigger Picture
Nigeria has been battling a diphtheria resurgence in recent years, with several northern states recording significant outbreaks. The Lagos government’s proactive stance — reassuring the public while simultaneously strengthening surveillance — is exactly the kind of balanced communication that builds public trust.
As Prof. Abayomi continues to lead health response efforts in the state, Lagosians are encouraged to stay informed, stay vaccinated, and trust the process.
After all, health is truly wealth — and in a city as vibrant and valuable as Lagos, we cannot afford to play games with it.
Stay updated on health news in Lagos by following the Lagos State Ministry of Health on their official platforms.
Check buzzUp9ja for more details
Be the first to comment