Diphtheria Cases at King’s College: Everything you should know

After the Lagos State Government has confirmed 14 cases of diphtheria at King’s College Annex, Victoria Island, with one reported fatality.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, announced the outbreak during an inspection visit to the school yesterday, alongside Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, and other top officials.

The visit aimed to assess the situation and implement measures to contain the spread of the disease. Officials, including Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, Permanent Secretary of Lagos Health District III, and Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity, and Global Health, inspected key facilities to identify risk factors.

Accompanied by the Head Teacher, Mr. Zachariah Magaji, PTA Chairman, Peter Oluwaleye, and alumni representatives, the delegation toured the kitchen, dormitories, classrooms, sanitary areas, and waste disposal units to enhance preventive measures.

Outbreak Had Been Ongoing for 10 Days Before Confirmation

Prof. Abayomi revealed that the outbreak had been active for over 10 days before confirmation. Affected pupils are receiving medical care, with 12 undergoing antibiotic and diphtheria antiserum treatment.

“This disease spreads through airborne droplets, especially in crowded environments,” he explained. “We have inspected the school’s sanitary conditions, dormitories, and classrooms to improve ventilation, spacing, and access to clean water.”

He urged students to prioritize personal and environmental hygiene, emphasizing regular handwashing and immediate reporting of symptoms.

Mass Vaccination Campaign Begins

To curb further spread, the state has launched a mass vaccination campaign for students and staff, requiring parental consent for booster doses.

“Most children are vaccinated against diphtheria in infancy, but immunity wanes over time. This booster dose will reinforce their protection,” Abayomi noted.

Addressing vaccine safety concerns, he reassured parents that while mild side effects could occur, they were rare and manageable. Medical personnel will remain on-site to handle any reactions.

Four Pupils Hospitalized at LUTH

In a telephone interview, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), confirmed that four pupils had been admitted for treatment but were in stable condition.

“They have not been discharged, but they are responding well to antibiotics and antitoxin provided by the Lagos State Government,” he said.

Government Advises Against Student Withdrawal

Authorities have warned parents against withdrawing their children from the school, citing the risk of spreading the infection to families and communities.

“This school is now operating like an isolation center with professionals on the ground, improved sanitation, and a vaccination campaign. It is safer for students to remain here than to leave and potentially infect others,” Abayomi emphasized.

Diphtheria: A Public Health Concern

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection affecting the respiratory system. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with an infected person and can cause severe complications, including breathing difficulties, heart failure, and death.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 41,336 suspected diphtheria cases across all 36 states between 2022 and 2025, underscoring the urgent need for improved vaccination coverage and public health interventions.

A Wake-Up Call for Hygiene and School Safety

The state government has vowed to strengthen policies on class sizes, dormitory arrangements, water access, and sanitation to prevent future outbreaks.

“This is a wake-up call,” Abayomi said. “We will be reviewing our health policies to improve hygiene standards and reduce overcrowding in schools.”

Meanwhile, the vaccination campaign is ongoing, with health officials stationed at the school to monitor students and ensure a swift response to any complications.

Public Advised to Remain Vigilant

Parents and residents are urged 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 for immediate treatment.

With swift intervention and coordinated public health measures, authorities remain hopeful that the outbreak will be contained, preventing further fatalities and safeguarding the broader community.