FCTA Debunks Viral Claim Linking Diphtheria To Watermelon
The Federal Capital Territory Administration in Nigeria has officially debunked viral social media claims that linked a diphtheria case to eating watermelon. Health officials confirmed that investigations found no evidence to support the rumor or the identity of the alleged victim.
Why it matters
This illustrates the danger of health-related misinformation spreading on social media and the role of government agencies in public health communication.
By Aderogba George The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has debunked a viral social media claim linking an alleged diphtheria case in Abuja to the consumption of sliced watermelon.
Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), said this in a statement on Wednesday made available to newsmen through her media aide, Mrs Bola Ajao.
Fasawe said a field verification by the FCT Public Health Department and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) found no evidence to substantiate the claim.
She said the post by Ivan Eagle Lawson contained a photograph of a man identified as Mr Simeon Okoh, alleged to be a diphtheria victim in Abuja.
According to her, a multidisciplinary Rapid Response Team from the FCT Public Health Department and AMAC visited the location stated in the post on Sept. 28 to investigate the claim.
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