Silent killer at King’s College: Lagos races to stop deadly spread

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

In a race against time, the Lagos State Government has launched an urgent vaccination blitz to halt a deadly diphtheria outbreak that has struck King’s College Annexe, Victoria Island.

With fear gripping students, parents, and school authorities, health officials are moving swiftly to prevent further casualties and contain the highly infectious disease.

Leading the emergency response, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stormed the school alongside top officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, and Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke.

Their mission was clear: assess the situation, enforce containment measures, and roll out life-saving vaccines before the outbreak spirals out of control.

“This is a crisis we must tackle head-on!” Prof. Abayomi declared grimly, confirming that the outbreak had already claimed a life.

“We have screened affected students, placed them on aggressive treatment, and I am relieved to report that those receiving care are stabilising.”

The Commissioner, alongside school authorities and concerned parents, conducted a sweeping inspection of critical facilities—from dormitories to dining halls, kitchen areas to waste disposal units—leaving no stone unturned in the battle against the bacterial menace.

Prof. Abayomi revealed shocking insights into the environmental factors accelerating the spread of diphtheria.

“This disease thrives in overcrowded, poorly ventilated spaces. We have mandated school officials to improve airflow in classrooms and dormitories, enforce better hygiene standards, and ensure constant access to clean water. These are non-negotiable measures,” he warned.

A critical component of the intervention is the mass vaccination drive targeting all students and staff with booster shots.

“Many children were vaccinated at birth, but over time, immunity wanes. That’s why we’re here today—to reinforce their defences and stop the disease in its tracks,” Prof. Abayomi explained.

Medical teams, deployed by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, have begun administering vaccines, ensuring that no eligible student is left exposed.

Meanwhile, plans are underway to extend vaccinations to King’s College’s main campus in Igbosere, given the frequent movement of students between locations.

In a passionate plea, the Commissioner cautioned against knee-jerk reactions.

“We understand the fear, but withdrawing students now is dangerous. Some may already be incubating the bacteria without showing symptoms. If they leave, they could unknowingly spread the disease to their families and communities. Right now, the school is operating almost like an isolation centre, with medical teams on the ground. It is safer for students to remain here under expert care,” he assured.

Addressing concerns about vaccine side effects, Prof. Abayomi reassured the public: “Mild reactions like soreness or slight fever are expected—it’s proof the vaccine is working! Our health teams are monitoring every child closely, and emergency response staff are on standby for any unexpected reactions.”

Determined to stamp out diphtheria and prevent future outbreaks, the Lagos State Government is working hand-in-hand with the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Federal Ministries of Health and Education.

“This outbreak is a wake-up call! We must review boarding school hygiene policies, reassess classroom density, and enforce stricter sanitation regulations to prevent another tragedy,” Prof. Abayomi stated, pledging that lessons from this crisis would drive long-term reforms.

As part of its public awareness campaign, the Health Ministry is urging Lagosians to be vigilant and report symptoms immediately.

“Diphtheria starts with severe sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and breathing difficulty. A white membrane on the throat is a major red flag. If you notice these signs, seek medical help immediately!” the Commissioner warned.