Professor Akin Abayomi
Lagos Embarks on Diphtheria Vaccination Drive at King’s College Amid Outbreak
The Lagos State Government has initiated a diphtheria vaccination campaign at King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe, following an outbreak of the disease.
The state’s health authorities have activated emergency measures to contain the spread and safeguard students.
In a statement issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, confirmed the establishment of an Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) to manage the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
“The Lagos State Government has activated its Emergency Response Committee following the diphtheria outbreak in the boarding house of King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe,” the statement read.
The outbreak came to light after parents raised concerns over the school’s handling of the situation and its sanitation standards.
According to Prof. Abayomi, the index case was a 12-year-old student who exhibited symptoms of a sore throat and fever at the school clinic on February 22.
The student was referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he was diagnosed with diphtheria and treated with antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin serum.
Unfortunately, the student passed away on March 6 due to myocarditis, a severe complication caused by the bacterial infection.
Following the incident, 34 close contacts of the deceased student were placed under observation, with 14 developing symptoms consistent with diphtheria.
These students were transported to LUTH’s Children’s Emergency Unit, where 12 were diagnosed with early signs of diphtheria and admitted for treatment. Prof. Abayomi assured that all 14 symptomatic students are responding well to treatment, and no new cases have been reported.
Health officials conducted a preliminary inspection of King’s College Annexe and identified areas requiring improved infection prevention and control measures.
In response, the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with federal health agencies, has launched a targeted vaccination campaign for all students at both the Victoria Island Annexe boarding facility and the Igbosere Main School campus.
The state government has also notified the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), which are now working together to coordinate an effective response. Information leaflets detailing diphtheria symptoms, prevention, and early treatment options are being distributed to healthcare facilities across the state.
A public health announcement is being prepared to raise awareness among Lagos residents, urging them to watch for symptoms such as sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing, and swollen neck glands.
Prof. Abayomi advised residents to maintain good hygiene, avoid crowded environments, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience diphtheria-like symptoms.
“Early detection and treatment can save lives. Let’s all work together to curb this outbreak and protect our communities,” he emphasized.
He also reassured the public that the outbreak is under control, with approximately 500,000 doses of diphtheria vaccines available for deployment to high-risk areas.
The State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will meet daily to assess the situation and make policy decisions, with the Ministry of Basic and Tertiary Education also involved to enhance inter-agency coordination.
“There is no need to panic as measures are in place to protect our citizens from infectious disease outbreaks,” Prof. Abayomi concluded.
