…Government Officials Inspect Facilities, Enforce Public Health Measures
…Students, Staff Receive Emergency Vaccination Amid Growing Concerns
Panic gripped parents and stakeholders as the Lagos State Government rolled out an emergency vaccination campaign at King’s College Annexe, Victoria Island, following a confirmed diphtheria outbreak that has already claimed a life. The swift response is aimed at halting the spread of the highly infectious bacterial disease, which poses a severe public health risk if left unchecked.
Leading the urgent intervention, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, along with key government officials, stormed the school premises for an on-the-ground assessment and vaccination rollout. The delegation included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, and the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke. Their mission: to contain the outbreak and restore confidence among worried parents.
Authorities Move Swiftly to Prevent Further Casualties
Addressing the press, Prof. Abayomi acknowledged the gravity of the situation but assured the public that rigorous containment measures were already in place.
“We were very concerned about the ongoing outbreak of diphtheria at King’s College Annexe, which has persisted for about ten days. Tragically, we lost a student, but since identifying the outbreak, we have screened affected individuals, placed them on antibiotics and anti-serum treatment, and I am pleased to report that those under medical care are responding well,” he stated.
To ensure the safety of students and staff, the government has intensified its response strategy, conducting a thorough inspection of school facilities, including dormitories, classrooms, kitchen areas, dining halls, and sanitation units. Officials emphasized that improving hygiene and ventilation is critical in combating the spread of the airborne disease.
Emergency Vaccination Begins as Officials Clamp Down on Risk Factors
The most critical phase of the containment strategy is the immediate administration of diphtheria booster vaccines to students and staff. With medical teams deployed by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, the government is racing against time to build herd immunity within the school community.
“Routine immunization covers diphtheria, but immunity wanes over time. This booster vaccination will strengthen the students’ defenses and prevent further spread,” Prof. Abayomi explained.
Acknowledging concerns over the potential spread beyond the affected location, he confirmed that vaccination efforts would extend to the school’s main campus in Igbosere, as students and staff frequently move between both sites.
Parents Urged to Keep Students in School Amid Containment Measures
Despite mounting fears among parents, health authorities strongly discouraged the withdrawal of students from the school, warning that premature exits could worsen the crisis.
“We understand the anxieties of parents, but pulling children out of school could backfire. A student may seem healthy but still be incubating the bacteria. If they return home, they could unknowingly spread the infection to family members and the wider community,” Prof. Abayomi cautioned.
He reassured parents that King’s College is currently operating under strict medical supervision, almost as an isolation center, with health professionals on-site to monitor and respond swiftly to any emerging cases.
What Happens Next?
As the emergency vaccination exercise continues, the Lagos State Government remains on high alert, ramping up surveillance efforts to ensure that no additional cases slip through the cracks. Schools, parents, and health officials are urged to cooperate fully to mitigate the crisis and prevent a full-blown epidemic.
The next few days will be critical in determining the effectiveness of the containment strategy. Meanwhile, public health experts stress the importance of hygiene, timely vaccination, and community awareness in averting further tragedy.