FCTA Debunks Viral Claim Linking Diphtheria Case in Abuja to Eating Sliced Watermelon

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has dismissed a widely circulated social media report claiming that a man in Abuja contracted diphtheria after eating sliced watermelon.

The FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat said an investigation conducted by public health officials found no evidence supporting the allegation or establishing that the man pictured in the post had been diagnosed with diphtheria.

Rapid Response Team Investigates Alleged Case

Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, said the claim was investigated by a multidisciplinary Rapid Response Team involving the FCT Public Health Department and Abuja Municipal Area Council.

The team visited the location identified in the social media post on September 28 as part of efforts to establish whether the alleged incident had actually occurred.

According to Fasawe, officials spoke with estate management and inspected the area, but the address provided in the post did not correspond with the estate’s road layout.

Estate officials were also unable to identify anyone matching the information contained in the viral report and said they had no knowledge of the alleged incident.

Health Records Contain No Matching Diphtheria Case

Further checks produced no evidence of the alleged case, Fasawe said.

Officials reviewed the FCT diphtheria line list and examined records held by the National Reference Laboratory in Gaduwa. Neither source contained a corresponding record for the person identified in the social media post.

The investigation also failed to establish the identity of the individual shown in the photograph.

Fasawe said there was consequently no evidence connecting the man to a confirmed diphtheria infection or establishing any link between his condition and the consumption of watermelon.

FCTA Warns Against Spreading Unverified Claims

The health authorities urged residents to avoid circulating the post, particularly its photographs, names and alleged residential details.

Fasawe stressed that a photograph alone could not be used to establish that someone had diphtheria and warned that unverified allegations could expose individuals, communities and food vendors to unnecessary stigma.

Residents who have information that could help verify health-related claims were encouraged to provide it privately to the FCT Public Health Department or AMAC health authorities rather than spreading unconfirmed reports online.

Diphtheria Remains a Public Health Concern

While rejecting the watermelon allegation, the FCT administration said its response to diphtheria in the territory remains active.

Fasawe described diphtheria as a serious bacterial infection that can be prevented through vaccination. The disease is commonly caused by toxin-producing Corynebacterium diphtheriae and is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected respiratory secretions and skin lesions.

She said children have accounted for most of the cases recorded during the current FCT outbreak, with those aged between five and nine particularly affected. Many of the affected children, she added, were unvaccinated.

Parents Urged to Check Children’s Vaccination Status

Parents and caregivers were advised to ensure that children receive all vaccines recommended under the routine childhood immunisation programme.

Fasawe specifically highlighted the three primary doses of the diphtheria-containing pentavalent vaccine.

Children who have missed vaccinations or whose immunisation history is uncertain should be taken to the nearest primary healthcare facility for assessment and, where necessary, catch-up vaccination.

Residents Told to Watch for Warning Signs

The FCT health authorities also urged residents to seek medical attention when symptoms associated with diphtheria appear.

These include fever, sore throat, swelling of the neck and difficulty swallowing. Difficulty breathing should be treated as an emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

Healthcare workers were equally advised to promptly report suspected cases to the relevant Area Council Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer so that investigations and response measures can begin without delay.

FCT Expands Community Surveillance

According to Fasawe, authorities will continue surveillance and public awareness activities across the territory as part of the ongoing response.

The programme includes door-to-door sensitisation, radio jingles and the distribution of information, education and communication materials to communities.

The administration is also urging residents to rely on verified health information rather than social media claims when assessing potential disease outbreaks.

Warning Over False Ebola Reports

Fasawe further cautioned residents against sharing unverified reports alleging Ebola outbreaks.

She urged the public to rely on official information from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and relevant FCT health authorities, warning that false health reports can increase public anxiety and divert attention from genuine disease-control efforts.

Residents seeking clarification on suspected outbreaks or public health concerns can contact the FCT Public Health Department or the NCDC. The NCDC’s toll-free public health line is 6232.