One student d+ad, 14 hospitalized as throat infection rocks King’s College Lagos
The Lagos State government has confirmed a diphtheria outbreak at King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe, leading to the d+ath of a 12-year-old student and the hospitalisation of 14 others.
Authorities have identified 34 close contacts of the deceased and placed them under observation.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated that the index case, a 12-year-old boy, developed a sore throat and fever on February 22. He was referred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he received treatment but succumbed to myocarditis, a severe diphtheria complication, on March 6.
Following his d+atha, 14 students developed symptoms and were transferred to LUTH for screening. Twelve tested positive for early signs of diphtheria and are receiving antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin serum. All are reported to be recovering.
In response, the state government has activated an Emergency Response Committee and will begin a mass vaccination campaign targeting schoolchildren and healthcare providers. Nearly 500,000 doses of diphtheria vaccine will be deployed to high-risk areas, and infection prevention measures will be strengthened at King’s College.
Public awareness campaigns are also underway, urging residents to recognize symptoms such as sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing, and swollen neck glands. The Lagos State government is working closely with federal health agencies and the WHO to contain the outbreak.
Prof. Abayomi reassured residents that the situation is under control and emphasized the importance of good hygiene, avoiding crowded places, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.
