The Lagos State Government has activated its Emergency Response Committee following an outbreak of diphtheria at the boarding facility of King’s College, Lagos, Victoria Island Annex.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, assured residents that the situation is under control and urged the public not to panic.
He emphasized that the government is taking all necessary measures to contain the disease and prevent further spread.
According to Abayomi, the outbreak was first detected when a 12-year-old student developed symptoms, including a sore throat and fever, and sought medical attention at the school’s health facility on February 22. He was subsequently referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he received antibiotics and a full dose of diphtheria antitoxoid serum.
“Despite the swift medical intervention, the student unfortunately succumbed to complications from the infection, particularly severe inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), which is a known consequence of diphtheria toxin,” Abayomi stated.
By the time of the student’s passing on March 6, health authorities had already begun monitoring 34 close contacts.
Among them, 14 displayed symptoms consistent with diphtheria and were taken to LUTH for evaluation. Of these, 12 were diagnosed with early-stage diphtheria and have since been admitted for treatment, including the administration of antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin.
A preliminary inspection of the school’s annex revealed areas that required improved infection prevention and control measures. In response, the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with federal health agencies, plans to conduct a targeted vaccination campaign for all consenting students and healthcare workers in both the Victoria Island Annex and the main school in Igbosere. The immunization effort may also be extended statewide.
Additionally, the government is preparing a public health advisory to educate residents on diphtheria symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing, and swollen neck glands, urging them to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.