The Lagos State Government has confirmed 14 cases of diphtheria among pupils at King’s College Annex, Victoria Island, with one reported fatality.
Emergency Response & Health Measures
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, visited the school alongside top government officials, including the Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, and other health authorities, to assess the situation and implement containment measures.
The team inspected school facilities, including dormitories, classrooms, kitchens, and sanitary areas, to identify risk factors and strengthen preventive measures.
Medical Treatment & Vaccination Campaign
- 12 affected students are receiving treatment with antibiotics and diphtheria antiserum.
- Mass vaccination has commenced for pupils and staff, but only students with parental consent will receive the booster dose.
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) confirmed four hospitalized pupils, all reported to be in stable condition.
Government’s Response & Advice to Parents
- The government advises against withdrawing students, warning that some seemingly healthy children may still be incubating the bacteria, increasing the risk of spreading it to their families.
- Sanitation improvements, medical monitoring, and vaccination efforts are ongoing to contain the outbreak and protect public health.
Symptoms & Public Health Advisory
Health officials urge parents and residents to watch for diphtheria symptoms, including:
- Severe sore throat
- Fever
- Swollen neck glands
- Difficulty breathing
Suspected cases should be reported to the nearest healthcare facility immediately.
Nigeria’s Growing Public Health Challenge
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 41,336 suspected diphtheria cases across 36 states since 2022, emphasizing the urgent need for improved vaccination and hygiene measures.
Authorities are committed to reviewing school policies on sanitation, ventilation, and overcrowding to prevent future outbreaks.
Leave a Reply