A Daily Trust editorial laments that Nigeria continues to grapple with a major diphtheria outbreak in 2026, despite the disease being vaccine-preventable. The piece argues that with a functional routine immunisation system and effective public health infrastructure, diphtheria should be largely under control, yet children are once again dying, according to recent reports. The editorial calls for stronger public health action to address the outbreak.

Lagos is facing a diphtheria scare after 53 suspected cases were reported and six infections confirmed, according to PM News. The state commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical care for severe sore throat, fever, weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, neck swelling, or a white or greyish membrane at the back of the throat.

A PM News editorial argues that Nigeria's recurring diphtheria outbreaks stem from weak routine immunisation, with national coverage of the third dose of diphtheria-containing vaccine remaining suboptimal. It says insecurity, hard-to-reach communities, population movement and vaccine hesitancy worsen the problem in the North. The paper contends that reactive vaccination campaigns after outbreaks are necessary but insufficient, treating symptoms while the underlying immunity gap keeps generating new waves of infection, and urges a shift toward prevention.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has advised Nigerians to protect their food, maintain clean surroundings, and prevent rodents from entering their homes as the country approaches the peak period of Lassa fever transmission. The advice was given by the agency's director-general, Dr Jide Idris, according to Leadership newspaper. Lassa fever, a viral illness commonly spread through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, typically surges during Nigeria's dry season.

Plateau State Government ordered the immediate closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools statewide as a precaution over suspected diphtheria cases, according to Ripples Nigeria. The directive was announced Saturday in a statement by Information Commissioner Joyce Ramnap, who said the closure takes effect immediately. The report describes the move as aimed at limiting possible spread while authorities assess the suspected outbreak, with further details expected from state officials.

A diphtheria outbreak has killed 39 children in Zamfara State, Nigeria, according to ThisDay Live, prompting an urgent vaccination response from UNICEF and the Federal Ministry of Health. The report describes conditions at the Infectious Disease Centre in Damba, where mothers sit with affected children in the ward. Health authorities are working to contain the spread of the disease through emergency immunisation efforts across affected communities in the northwestern state.