FCT Health Secretariat Disproves Watermelon Diphtheria Claim

The FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) issued a clarification regarding a false report linking a diphtheria case in the FCT to sliced watermelon. This misinformation originated from a social media post by Ivan Eagle Lawson, which included a photograph of Mr Simeon Okoh, allegedly a diphtheria victim.

Following a field verification visit on 28 September 2026 by a multidisciplinary Rapid Response Team from the FCT Public Health Department and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), it was determined that the claims could not be substantiated. The investigation revealed inconsistencies in the alleged address, and estate management could not identify any resident matching the details.

Additionally, checks of the FCT diphtheria line list and records at the National Reference Laboratory in Gaduwa found no corresponding records. Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary, emphasized the importance of vaccinations for children, particularly in light of the ongoing diphtheria outbreak affecting unvaccinated children aged five to nine.