Abuja:The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that link an alleged diphtheria case in Abuja to the consumption of sliced watermelon.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, stated that investigations by the FCT Public Health Department and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) provided no evidence to support the claim. The social media post, made by Ivan Eagle Lawson, featured a photograph of a man identified as Mr. Simeon Okoh, purportedly a diphtheria victim in Abuja.
A multidisciplinary Rapid Response Team from the FCT Public Health Department and AMAC conducted a site visit on September 28 to investigate. Their enquiries revealed inconsistencies between the alleged address and the estate’s road designations, with the estate management unable to identify any resident matching the details in the post.
Further checks of the FCT diphtheria line list and records at the National Reference Laboratory in Gaduwa yielded no record corresponding to the claims. The investigation found no evidence linking the individual in the photograph to a confirmed diphtheria case or watermelon consumption.
Dr. Fasawe emphasized the severity of diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, urging vigilance and prompt reporting of suspected cases. The ongoing outbreak in the FCT primarily affects unvaccinated children aged five to nine years.
Parents and caregivers are advised to ensure children receive all recommended vaccinations, including the diphtheria-containing pentavalent vaccine. Individuals with symptoms like fever, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing should seek medical attention promptly.
Healthcare workers are encouraged to report suspected cases to appropriate authorities. Dr. Fasawe urged residents to respect privacy and refrain from spreading unverified claims, advising against sharing the social media post. Any helpful information should be shared privately with relevant health authorities.
The FCT will maintain its surveillance and public awareness efforts, including community engagement and distribution of informational materials. Residents are advised to rely on official updates from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to avoid unnecessary panic. Public health queries can be directed to the NCDC toll-free line, 6232.