The Lagos State Government has swiftly activated its Emergency Response Committee following an outbreak of diphtheria at the boarding house of King’s College, Victoria Island Annex.
In a statement on Monday, the State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, reassured residents that the situation is under control and urged the public to remain calm.
He emphasised that health authorities are working diligently to contain the outbreak and prevent further infections.
According to Abayomi, the index case, a 12-year-old student, presented with a sore throat and fever at the school’s health facility on 22 February. Despite medical intervention, the student sadly, passed away, prompting an immediate response from the state’s health officials.
To prevent further spread, an Emergency Operation Committee was set up, and 34 close contacts of the deceased student were placed under close observation. Medical evaluations identified 12 students displaying early symptoms of diphtheria, all of whom have been admitted for treatment with antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin serum.
In collaboration with federal health agencies, the Lagos State Government is launching a targeted vaccination campaign for all students at both the Victoria Island Annex and the main King’s College campus in Igbosere.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are reinforcing preventive measures to safeguard public health..
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