FCT HSES CLARIFIES FALSE DIPHTHERIA REPORT, URGES RESIDENTS TO IGNORE MISINFORMATION

By: Bola Ajao and Khadijat Kawunda

The FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) has debunked a viral social media claim linking an alleged diphtheria case in the FCT to sliced watermelon, which could not be substantiated following a field verification visit.

The claim, which was contained in a social media post by Ivan Eagle Lawson, included a photograph purportedly showing a man identified as Mr Simeon Okoh and alleged that he was a victim of diphtheria in Abuja.

However, field verification by the FCT Public Health Department and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) found no evidence to establish the identity of the person in the photograph, the alleged address, or the reported diphtheria case. The photograph and the details accompanying the post could not be verified as genuine or linked to any confirmed diphtheria case in the FCT.

The Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, clarified the claim in a statement issued from her office on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, following concerns raised by the circulating post.

She said a multidisciplinary Rapid Response Team from the FCT Public Health Department and AMAC visited the location described in the post on 28 September 2026 to investigate the claim.

Enquiries with the estate management and the team’s physical observations established that the alleged address was inconsistent with the estate’s road designations. Estate management could not identify a resident matching the details provided and reported no knowledge of the alleged incident.

Dr Fasawe added that checks of the FCT diphtheria line list and records at the National Reference Laboratory in Gaduwa did not identify a corresponding record. The team did not locate the person described, and the investigation did not establish evidence supporting the alleged diagnosis or its claimed link to watermelon.

She commended the residents’ association for cooperating with the verification team and helping to address community concerns.

The Mandate Secretary emphasised that these findings relate to the specific claim circulating online.

The ongoing diphtheria response in the FCT continues, and residents should remain vigilant and report suspected illness promptly.

She explained that diphtheria is a serious, vaccine-preventable bacterial infection, usually caused by toxin-producing Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

 It spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected respiratory secretions or skin lesions. The investigation did not establish that watermelon caused the alleged illness.

Dr Fasawe noted that most cases recorded during the current FCT outbreak have been among children, particularly those aged five to nine years, many of whom were unvaccinated.

She urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive all vaccinations recommended for their age, including the three primary doses of the diphtheria-containing pentavalent vaccine provided through routine childhood immunisation.

Take children with missed doses or uncertain vaccination histories to the nearest primary healthcare facility for assessment and appropriate catch-up vaccination.

Residents experiencing fever, sore throat, neck swelling or difficulty swallowing should seek medical assessment promptly. Difficulty breathing requires urgent medical attention.

Healthcare workers should immediately notify the appropriate Area Council Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer of suspected cases.

The Mandate Secretary urged the public to respect privacy and avoid stigmatising residents, communities or food vendors. She advised against forwarding the unverified post, including names, photographs and alleged addresses, stressing that a photograph alone cannot confirm diphtheria.

She urged anyone with information that may assist in verifying such claims to share it privately with the FCT Public Health Department or AMAC health authorities rather than circulating unverified information online.

Dr Fasawe said the FCT is continuing its surveillance, awareness and community engagement activities, including door-to-door sensitisation, radio jingles and the distribution of information, education and communication materials.

She urged residents to remain calm, follow verified health advice and support the ongoing response.

She also cautioned against sharing unverified social media claims of Ebola outbreaks and advised residents to rely on official updates from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The Mandate Secretary warned that circulating unverified health claims can heighten anxiety and distract from response activities. She nevertheless encouraged residents to report suspected illness and public health concerns promptly so that they can be assessed.

Residents seeking clarification should contact the FCT Public Health Department or the NCDC. Public health enquiries and alerts may also be directed to the NCDC toll-free line, 6232.