Diphtheria Scare: Lagos Govt Rolls Out Emergency Vaccination at King’s College Annexe

…Officials Inspect School Facilities, Urge Calm Among Parents

…Students, Staff to Receive Vaccination as Part of Containment Efforts

In a swift response to the recent diphtheria outbreak at King’s College Annexe, Victoria Island, the Lagos State Government has commenced an emergency vaccination exercise to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease and safeguard public health.

The intervention, led by the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Board, underscores the government’s commitment to preventing further infections. Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, alongside Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, and other top officials, visited the school to assess the situation and oversee the vaccination campaign.

“We were very concerned about what’s going on at King’s College Annexe – an outbreak of diphtheria fever that has been ongoing for about ten days. Unfortunately, the first case led to a tragic loss. However, since identifying the outbreak, we have screened affected students, placed them on antibiotics and anti-serum, and I am pleased to report that all those receiving treatment are doing well,” stated Prof. Abayomi.

As part of their visit, the delegation, including the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, and Director, Epidemiology, Biosecurity, and Global Health, Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, inspected key facilities such as the school’s kitchen, dining hall, dormitories, classrooms, sickbay, sanitary areas, and waste disposal units. The inspection aimed to identify potential risk factors and reinforce preventive measures to halt the disease’s spread.

During an address to the students, Prof. Abayomi emphasized the importance of personal and environmental hygiene, urging them to adopt proper handwashing habits and report any symptoms of diphtheria promptly. He reassured parents that the government is actively managing the situation and discouraged them from withdrawing their children from school, as this could further complicate containment efforts.

The vaccination campaign is targeting all students with parental consent, as well as school staff, to create a protective ring against the disease. The Commissioner advised members of the public to be vigilant, watch for symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty breathing, and fever, and report any suspected cases to the nearest primary healthcare center.

Speaking on potential side effects of the vaccine, Prof. Abayomi reassured students and parents that while mild to moderate reactions can occur, they are rare and manageable. He urged anyone experiencing adverse effects to report to the school’s healthcare facility, where medical personnel are on standby to provide necessary care.

The school’s Principal, Mr. Zachariah Magaji, alongside the PTA Chairman and representatives from the school’s alumni, participated in the facility tour and vaccination exercise. Their presence underscored a collective commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the students.

The vaccination exercise remains ongoing, with medical teams working swiftly to immunize as many students and staff as possible. Health officials have also ramped up awareness efforts within the school community to ensure students, parents, and teachers understand the symptoms, risks, and preventive measures for diphtheria.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has pledged continued collaboration with federal and state health agencies to monitor the situation and deploy additional resources where necessary. The proactive response aligns with broader public health strategies aimed at mitigating the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases in schools and communities.

Residents have been urged to take advantage of the state’s free immunization programs and adhere to public health advisories to prevent further outbreaks. The government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening disease surveillance and response mechanisms across all schools and communities in Lagos State.