Since alerting the general public on the outbreak of Diphtheria in Lagos state, there has been a record of 10 confirmed cases between January 1st and March 27th, as health authorities intensify efforts to curb the outbreak.
According to Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the number of suspected cases has fluctuated over the period, with some days recording as many as 15 cases and others as few as one. It was revealed that laboratory tests conducted on 76 samples confirmed 10 positive cases, while 63 samples returned negative results.
The outbreak was reported in multiple LGAs, with Eti-Osa being the most affected, recording 44 suspected cases. Other affected LGAs include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island, where various numbers of suspected and confirmed cases have been identified.
The outbreak has been reported in multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs), with Eti-Osa being the most affected, recording 44 suspected cases. According to him, other affected LGAs include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island, where various numbers of suspected and confirmed cases have been identified.
He emphasized that in the interest of public safety, all confirmed cases should remain on admission for treatment. He urged the public to cooperate with health authorities, noting that this measure is essential to prevent further transmission of the disease.
With the help of the State response, 21 individuals have received Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) treatment, with King’s College, Eti-Osa, accounting for the highest number of recipients (14). Other beneficiaries were from Lagos State Model School, Meiran, and various locations in Alimosho, Kosofe, and Badagry.
As much as the government is doing its part to ensure safety and well-being, we also owe it to ourselves to make sure we do everything possible to prevent being infected.
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