The Lagos State Government has swiftly activated its Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) in response to a diphtheria outbreak at King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe. The outbreak, which began in the school’s boarding facility, has already led to one fatality, but authorities assure the public that the situation is under control.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has urged residents to remain calm, emphasizing that necessary measures are in place to contain the spread of the disease. The government has also initiated a mass vaccination campaign to prevent further infections among students and healthcare providers.
The first reported case of Diphtheria Outbreak at King’s College involved a 12-year-old boy who developed symptoms, including a sore throat and fever, on February 22. He was promptly referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he received immediate medical care, including antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin serum. Unfortunately, despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to complications from the disease on March 6 due to severe inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), a known effect of diphtheria toxins.
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Following his death, the Lagos State Ministry of Health intensified its response, monitoring 34 close contacts of the deceased student for symptoms of diphtheria. So far, 14 of them have shown signs of the disease, and 12 have been admitted to LUTH for treatment. Thankfully, all affected students are currently recovering, and no new cases have emerged.
Health authorities conducted a preliminary inspection after the Diphtheria Outbreak at King’s College and identified areas that require urgent improvements in infection prevention and control measures. The state government is working closely with federal health agencies, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), to address these gaps and prevent further outbreaks.
To curb the spread of diphtheria, the Lagos State Government has launched a targeted vaccination campaign covering both the Victoria Island Annex and the main King’s College campus in Igbosere. Healthcare workers involved in managing the outbreak will also be vaccinated to ensure they are protected. If necessary, the vaccination drive will be extended statewide.
In addition to vaccinations, public awareness efforts are being intensified. Health information leaflets outlining diphtheria symptoms, prevention, and early treatment are being distributed across hospitals and clinics in Lagos. The government is also preparing a public health announcement to educate Lagosians on how to identify and respond to potential cases of diphtheria.
Prof. Abayomi reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm, as Lagos has nearly 500,000 doses of diphtheria vaccines available. These will be deployed strategically to high-risk locations as part of the emergency response. The EOC will continue to meet daily to evaluate the situation and implement necessary policy actions. Collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Basic and Tertiary Education, and other relevant agencies will further strengthen the response efforts.
Lagosians are advised to prioritize personal hygiene, avoid overcrowded places, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing, or swollen neck glands. According to Abayomi, “Early detection and treatment can save lives. Let’s all work together to curb this outbreak and protect our communities.”
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and respiratory system. It spreads through respiratory droplets and can lead to severe complications, including heart failure, breathing difficulties, and nerve damage. However, it is preventable through full vaccination, good hygiene practices, and prompt medical intervention when symptoms arise.
The Honourable Commissioner of Health reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of residents, stating, “The outbreak is under control, and there is no need to panic. We will continue to take all necessary steps to protect our citizens from infectious disease outbreaks.”
As Lagos State intensifies its response, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow public health guidelines, and ensure that children receive their routine vaccinations.
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