The Lagos State government has confirmed a diphtheria outbreak at King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe, leading to the death of a 12-year-old student and the hospitalization of 14 others.
Authorities have identified 34 individuals who had close contact with the deceased and are monitoring them for potential symptoms of the bacterial infection.
In response to the outbreak, the state government has activated an Emergency Response Committee and plans to begin mass vaccinations for schoolchildren on Monday.
Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Commissioner for Health, reassured the public, stating that the situation was under control.
The outbreak began when a 12-year-old boy, presenting with sore throat and fever, sought treatment at the school’s health facility on February 22.
He was referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital , LUTH, for further care but tragically passed away from myocarditis on March 6, a severe complication of diphtheria, despite receiving antibiotics and diphtheria toxoid serum. Out of the 34 identified contacts, 14 students developed symptoms consistent with diphtheria and were transferred to LUTH for screening.
Medical tests confirmed that 12 of them showed early signs of the disease and began receiving antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin serum. No new cases have emerged, and all 14 symptomatic students are recovering under medical supervision.
Health officials have noted areas in the King’s College Annexe that require improved infection prevention and control measures, which will be addressed immediately.
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The state, in collaboration with federal health agencies, will launch a targeted vaccination campaign for all students at the Victoria Island annex and the main school in Igbosere, along with healthcare workers, to strengthen immunity against the infection.
Additionally, public awareness efforts are underway, with information leaflets on diphtheria symptoms and prevention being distributed at healthcare facilities throughout Lagos.
A public health announcement will also be made to alert residents about the outbreak and the need for vigilance regarding symptoms such as sore throat, fever, breathing difficulties, and swollen neck glands.
Health authorities, including the WHO, NCDC, and NPHCDA, are closely collaborating with Lagos State to manage the outbreak.
The state has nearly 500,000 doses of diphtheria vaccine available and will deploy them to high-risk areas.
The State Emergency Operations Center is meeting daily to assess the situation and inform policy decisions, while discussions with the Ministry of Basic and Tertiary Education and other stakeholders will help improve coordination.
Prof. Abayomi urged residents to prioritize hygiene, avoid crowded places, and seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms.
“Early detection and treatment can save lives. Let’s work together to curb this outbreak and protect our communities,” he said, assuring the public that the outbreak is under control and there is no need for panic.
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