Diphtheria outbreak at King’s College Lagos: update

Lagos Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has confirmed 14 diphtheria cases at King’s College Lagos (KCL). There are also reports of a pupil dead from the disease. Abayomi visited the school yesterday (March 11), together with other top government officials, to assess the situation and implement measures to curb the spread of the disease. During the visit, prompted by growing calls from parents and health experts, the officials also inspected key facilities, including dormitories and sanitary areas, to evaluate hygiene standards and identify risk factors. According to Abayomi, the outbreak has been going on for over 10 days. He added that affected pupils are receiving medical care, with 12 administered antibiotics and diphtheria antiserum. He tried to reassure parents and invited them not to withdraw their children from school, which could jeopardize containment measures. In response to the outbreak, the Lagos State Government has started a mass vaccination campaign for pupils and staff members at the school. However, only pupils with parental consent will be vaccinated. Abayomi remarked that vaccines are safe and that potential side effects are rare and manageable. He urged anyone experiencing side effects to report them to the school’s healthcare facility.
In a telephone interview, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), confirmed that four pupils were receiving treatment at his medical facility. They are stable and receiving antibiotics and antitoxin provided by the government. Authorities hope that a swift response and coordinated public health measures will help to contain the outbreak, preventing fatalities and protecting the broader population.