The FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat has found no evidence to support a viral social media claim linking an alleged diphtheria case in Abuja to sliced watermelon. A multidisciplinary Rapid Response Team visited the location described in the post on September 28 but could not confirm the identity of the person in the photograph, the alleged address, or the reported case. The team was formed by the FCT Public Health Department and the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
The claim was attributed to Ivan Eagle Lawson and included a photograph of a person with an address. However, the address was inconsistent with the estate's road designations, and estate management could not identify a matching resident and knew of no such incident. The FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat's Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, said in a statement that checks of the FCT diphtheria line list and records at the National Reference Laboratory in Gaduwa did not identify a corresponding record.
According to Dr. Fasawe, diphtheria is a serious vaccine-preventable bacterial infection usually caused by toxin-producing Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and contact with infected secretions or skin lesions. Most cases in the current outbreak are among children aged five to nine, many of them unvaccinated. Dr. Fasawe urged parents to ensure children receive all age-appropriate vaccines, including the three primary doses of the pentavalent vaccine under routine immunization.
Dr. Fasawe also advised that children who missed doses or whose vaccination history is uncertain should be taken to the nearest primary healthcare facility for assessment and catch-up vaccination. Residents with fever, sore throat, neck swelling, or difficulty swallowing should seek medical attention promptly, as difficulty breathing requires urgent care. Health workers should immediately notify the Area Council Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer of suspected cases.
The FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat urged residents not to forward the unverified post, including the names, photographs, and address. Dr. Fasawe stressed that a photograph cannot confirm a diagnosis and called for respect for privacy and against stigmatizing residents, communities, or food vendors. Anyone with information that could help verify similar claims should share it privately with the FCT Public Health Department or AMAC health authorities.
The investigation into the claim did not establish that watermelon caused the alleged illness. Dr. Fasawe said the findings applied only to the online claim, and that the FCT's diphtheria response was in place. The FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat is continuing with surveillance, public awareness, and community engagement.
Finally, Dr. Fasawe cautioned residents against circulating unverified claims of Ebola outbreaks and urged them to rely on updates from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention's toll-free line is 6232.
Key points
- The FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat found no evidence to support a viral social media claim linking an alleged diphtheria case in Abuja to sliced watermelon.
- Diphtheria is a serious vaccine-preventable bacterial infection usually caused by toxin-producing Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
- The FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat is continuing with surveillance, public awareness, and community engagement.
