In a swift response to the recent diphtheria outbreak at King’s College Annexe, Victoria Island, the Lagos State Government has commenced an emergency vaccination exercise to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease and safeguard public health. The vaccination campaign aims to protect students, staff, and the wider school community while reinforcing public health measures to prevent further infections.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who led a delegation of top government officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, and the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke to the school for a comprehensive assessment situation and to oversee the vaccination exercise emphasized the urgency of the intervention.
[b]“We were very concerned about what’s going on at King’s College Annexe – an outbreak of diphtheria fever that has been ongoing for about ten days. Unfortunately, the first case led to a tragic loss. However, since identifying the outbreak, we have screened affected students, placed them on antibiotics and anti-serum, and I am pleased to report that all those receiving treatment are doing well,” [/b]he stated.
Prof. Akin Abayomi in company of government delegation, school management, PTA executives and some members of the school alumni association inspected critical facilities within the school, including the dormitories, classrooms, kitchen, dining hall, sanitary areas, and waste disposal units as part of containment measures.
While noting that the objective of the inspection tour was to evaluate risk factors and enforce improvements to sanitary conditions to reduce the chances of bacterial transmission, the Commissioner highlighted the role of crowded and poorly ventilated environments in the spread of diphtheria, which is transmitted via airborne droplets.
“This disease thrives in crowded environments with poor ventilation. We have spoken with the school authorities to ensure proper spacing between students, improve airflow in classrooms and dormitories, and enhance access to clean water. These are fundamental to halting transmission,” he explained.
He [/b]disclosed that a key element of the intervention is the emergency vaccination campaign, targeting students with parental consent as well as all staff members.
[b]“Normally, every child is vaccinated against diphtheria as part of routine immunization, but over time, immunity can weaken. That’s why we are here today to administer booster shots. The vaccine will strengthen their immune response, preventing further spread,” Prof. Abayomi stated.
He added that the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board has deployed medical teams to carry out the vaccinations, ensuring that all eligible students receive protection, noting also that vaccination at the main campus in Igbosere is also planned, given the movement of students and staff between the two locations.
Prof. Abayomi strongly advised parents against withdrawing their children from school, warning that premature exits could compromise containment efforts. “We understand parents’ concerns, but removing students could lead to further spread. A child may appear well but still be incubating the bacteria. If they leave, they risk infecting family members or the wider community. Right now, the school is almost functioning as an isolation center with professional care on-site. It’s safer for them to remain here,” he assured.
Be the first to comment