Lagos State Government Launches Emergency Response, Mass Vaccination Campaignhttp://Lagos State Government Launches Emergency Response, Mass Vaccination Campaign

The Lagos State Government has confirmed a diphtheria outbreak at King’s College Victoria Island Annexe, leading to the death of a 12-year-old studenthttp://The Lagos State Government has confirmed a diphtheria outbreak at King’s College Victoria Island Annexe, leading to the death of a 12-year-old student and the hospitalization of 14 others. The outbreak has triggered an emergency response, with health officials identifying 34 close contacts of the deceased for symptom monitoring and preventive measures.

Student Succumbs to Diphtheria Complications Despite Treatment

According to Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the index case was a 12-year-old boy who initially presented with a sore throat and fever at the school’s health facility on February 22. He was transferred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he received antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin serum.

However, despite timely medical intervention, he succumbed to myocarditis, a severe complication of diphtheria, on March 6.

“Despite receiving appropriate antibiotics and a full dose of diphtheria toxoid serum, the student succumbed to progressive and irreversible heart inflammation,” Abayomi stated.

14 Students Show Symptoms, Transferred to LUTH for Urgent Care

Out of the 34 identified contacts, 14 students developed symptoms consistent with diphtheria and were immediately transferred to LUTH’s Children’s Emergency Unit. Medical tests confirmed 12 cases, and the affected students were placed on intensive treatment with antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin serum.

Fortunately, all 14 symptomatic students are responding well to treatment and remain under strict medical supervision.

Lagos State Begins Emergency Vaccination Drive

In response to the outbreak, the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with federal health agencies, has announced an emergency vaccination campaign targeting:

• All consenting students at King’s College Victoria Island Annexe and the main campus in Igbosere.
• Healthcare workers treating infected individuals.
• Other high-risk areas across Lagos State.

With 500,000 doses of diphtheria vaccine available, the statewide immunization initiative aims to prevent further infections and contain the outbreak.

Government Steps Up Public Health Awareness

To curb the spread, the Lagos State Government has:

• Distributed awareness materials outlining diphtheria symptoms, prevention, and early treatment in all healthcare facilities.
• Launched a public health advisory urging residents to watch for symptoms like sore throat, fever, breathing difficulties, and swollen neck glands.
• Activated the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to monitor the situation daily and coordinate response efforts.

Lagos Residents Urged to Stay Vigilant

Commissioner Abayomi has advised residents to maintain good hygiene, avoid crowded places, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience diphtheria-like symptoms.

“Early detection and treatment can save lives. We urge Lagosians to stay vigilant and cooperate with health authorities,” he stated.

While reassuring the public, Abayomi emphasized that the situation is under control, urging residents to remain calm as the government intensifies efforts to contain the outbreak and protect public health.

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