Lagos, Nigeria – A Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Stephen Oluwaniyi, has emphasized the need for psychosocial support for students of King’s College, Lagos, following a diphtheria outbreak that has caused fear, anxiety, and trauma within the school community.
Dr. Oluwaniyi, who is also the Clinical Director at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, made this call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday. He noted that students affected by the outbreak require close monitoring, counseling, and a platform to express their emotions to help them cope with the distressing situation.
The outbreak, which began in late 2024, resulted in the death of one student, while several others were hospitalized at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, spreads through direct contact with an infected person.
Dr. Oluwaniyi highlighted that, beyond the physical health implications, the psychological effects of the outbreak—such as fear of contracting the disease, grief over the loss of a schoolmate, and anxiety about the future—could lead to mental health challenges like acute stress reactions, depression, and anxiety disorders. He urged school authorities to identify students struggling with these issues and ensure they receive professional psychological care.
Supporting his views, another Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Veronica Nyamali, stressed the importance of educating students about diphtheria. She urged school authorities to provide clear information on its symptoms, transmission, and preventive measures to dispel fears and misconceptions.
“It is crucial to reassure students that contracting diphtheria is not a death sentence. Proper awareness, along with good hygiene practices such as regular handwashing, sanitation, and the use of sanitizers, can help curb the spread of the disease,” Dr. Nyamali stated.
Health authorities and school management continue to collaborate on measures to contain the outbreak and support the affected students.
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