FCTA debunks viral claims linking Abuja diphtheria case to watermelon

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has dismissed viral social media claims alleging that a man in Abuja contracted diphtheria after consuming sliced watermelon.

A multidisciplinary Rapid Response Team, including officials from the FCT Public Health Department and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), conducted a field investigation on September 28. The investigation found that the address provided in the social media post was inconsistent with the estate’s road designations, and estate management could not identify any resident matching the details provided.

Furthermore, health officials reviewed the FCT diphtheria line list and records at the National Reference Laboratory in Gaduwa, but found no corresponding records for the individual mentioned. Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, stated that there is no evidence linking the person in the photograph to a confirmed diphtheria case or to watermelon consumption. Authorities have urged residents to avoid spreading unverified claims.