The Lagos State Government has activated its Emergency Response Committee following a confirmed outbreak of diphtheria at the King’s College boarding house in Victoria Island Annex.
The outbreak, which has already claimed the life of a 12-year-old student, has prompted swift intervention from the Lagos State Ministry of Health, with containment measures now in place to prevent further spread.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, assured the public that the situation is under control and urged residents to remain calm.
"There is no cause for panic. We have swiftly activated containment measures to protect the public," Abayomi said in a statement on Monday, March 11.
First Case and Emergency Response
The first identified case involved a 12-year-old boy who developed a sore throat and fever on February 22. He was admitted to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and received antibiotic treatment and diphtheria antitoxin serum.
However, despite medical intervention, the boy succumbed to severe heart inflammation (myocarditis) on March 6, a known complication of diphtheria.
Following his death, health officials immediately placed 34 individuals who had close contact with him under medical observation.
"Out of these, 14 exhibited symptoms consistent with diphtheria and were taken to LUTH for further screening," Abayomi revealed.
Twelve of the affected students were confirmed to have early signs of diphtheria and were admitted for treatment. So far, no new cases have been reported, and all 14 symptomatic students are responding well to treatment.
Vaccination Drive and Infection Control Measures
An initial inspection of the King’s College Annex revealed gaps in infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols.
"We will immediately begin strengthening IPC measures in the school to reduce further risk," Abayomi stated.
In collaboration with federal health agencies, the Lagos State Government will also launch a targeted vaccination campaign for all students at both the Victoria Island Annex and the Main School in Igbosere.
"We have approximately 500,000 doses of diphtheria vaccine available, which will be strategically deployed to high-risk locations," he added.
To raise public awareness, health education materials detailing diphtheria symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment options will be distributed across healthcare facilities in Lagos.
Health Advisory and Prevention Measures
Lagosians have been urged to prioritise hygiene, avoid overcrowded environments, and seek medical care immediately if they experience symptoms such as:
✅ Sore throat
✅ Fever
✅ Difficulty breathing
✅ Swollen neck glands
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection affecting the throat and respiratory system. If untreated, it can cause severe complications, including heart failure and breathing difficulties.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) are working closely with Lagos State to coordinate an effective response to the outbreak.
The Lagos State Emergency Operations Centre will hold daily meetings to monitor developments and implement policy decisions to curb the spread of the disease.
Lagos Reporters
