Gideon Gladness
The Lagos State government has confirmed the death of a 12-year-old student at Kings College Annexe due to a diphtheria outbreak, prompting urgent containment measures, including the identification of 34 close contacts and the activation of an Emergency Response Committee.
The student first showed symptoms of sore throat and fever on February 22 and was referred from the school’s health facility to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Despite receiving antibiotics and diphtheria toxoid serum, he succumbed to myocarditis, a severe complication caused by the bacterial toxin, on March 6.
Health officials have since identified 34 close contacts, including classmates, and discovered 14 additional students with symptoms. These students have been transferred to LUTH’s Children’s Emergency Unit, where 12 have shown early signs of diphtheria. They are receiving medical treatment, including antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin serum, and are reportedly recovering under close supervision.
READ ALSO:Â Lagos Vaccinates Over 24 Million Residents Against Yellow Fever, Measles in 2024
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, reassured the public that the situation was under control and urged calm. He announced that mass vaccination of schoolchildren would commence immediately to curb the spread.
A preliminary inspection of Kings College Annexe revealed lapses in infection prevention and control, prompting immediate corrective measures.
The Lagos State government remains vigilant and committed to safeguarding public health as it continues to monitor the situation.