Lagos Confirms Diphtheria Cases at King’s College, Starts Vaccination

• Mar 11, 2025

The Lagos State Government has begun vaccinating students and staff at King’s College Annex, Victoria Island, following a diphtheria outbreak that has affected 14 students. The move aims to curb the spread of the disease and boost immunity in the school community.

On Tuesday, health officials, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), arrived at the school to administer the vaccine, which provides protection against both diphtheria and tetanus. The state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, explained that the vaccination drive is part of broader efforts to contain the outbreak.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection spread through respiratory droplets. According to WHO, vaccines can prevent the disease, and early treatment reduces the risk of severe complications or death. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 41,336 suspected cases of diphtheria in 37 states since 2022.

Recently, King’s College Lagos recorded a diphtheria-related death of a student, while four others were hospitalized at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. The outbreak has raised concerns among parents, prompting calls for improved hygiene and healthcare measures in schools.

Providing an update on the situation, Abayomi confirmed that 14 students showed symptoms, with 12 already receiving treatment. He urged students to practice good hygiene, wash their hands regularly, wear face masks, and maintain physical distance to prevent further spread. He also reassured parents that the situation was under control and that students were safer in school, where they could receive proper care.

Abayomi emphasized that the vaccine was safe and effective, with only mild side effects like soreness at the injection site or low-grade fever. To further prevent the spread, the state is improving sanitation in the school by ensuring a steady water supply, better waste management, and regular cleaning of classrooms and dormitories.

The commissioner noted that the government, under the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was working closely with WHO, NCDC, UNICEF, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education to prevent future outbreaks.

He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased student and stressed that the government was committed to preventing similar incidents. He also urged parents to give consent for their children’s vaccination, as minors cannot receive the shot without parental approval.

Abayomi further assured that the vaccination exercise would be extended to King’s College main campus in Igbosere and other schools across the state.

As part of lessons learned from the outbreak, the government will also review policies on vaccination, boarding school conditions, class sizes, student housing, and access to water and sanitation facilities.

The commissioner advised the public to report suspected diphtheria cases immediately. He also outlined key symptoms to watch for, including a severe sore throat, swollen neck, fever, and difficulty breathing. A white membrane on the back of the throat is often a telltale sign of diphtheria, he added.

Health professionals and parents are encouraged to seek medical help immediately if they notice these symptoms in children.