The Lagos State government has confirmed a diphtheria outbreak at King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe, which resulted in the death of a 12-year-old student and the hospitalization of 14 others.
Authorities have identified 34 close contacts of the deceased and are monitoring them for symptoms of the bacterial infection.
In response to the outbreak, the Lagos State government has activated an Emergency Response Committee and announced plans to begin mass vaccination of school children on Monday. 17th of March.
Lagos state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, reassured residents that the situation was under control.
According to Abayomi, the first case involved a 12-year-old boy who presented with a sore throat and fever at the school’s health facility on February 22nd. He was immediately referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he was admitted to the pediatric emergency ward. Despite receiving antibiotics and a full dose of diphtheria toxoid serum, the student tragically passed away due to myocarditis, a severe complication of the infection, on March 6th 2025.
Out of the 34 identified close contacts, 14 students developed symptoms consistent with diphtheria and were promptly transferred to LUTH’s Children’s Emergency Unit for screening.
What Is Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by the “Corynebacterium diphtheriae” bacterium. It primarily affects the respiratory system, causing a sore throat, fever, and swollen glands in the neck. The bacterium produces a toxin that damages tissues in the body and spreads through the bloodstream, affecting vital organs like the heart and kidneys.
How does Diphtheria Spread
Diphtheria spreads mainly through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through direct contact with infected sores or contaminated items, such as towels or eating utensils.
The bacteria can infect the throat or skin, and in some cases, it may spread through close personal contact or shared contaminated objects.
Symptoms of Diphtheria
The symptoms of diphtheria typically appear 2 to 5 days after exposure and may include:
• Sore throat: Often severe, accompanied by difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
• Fever: Mild to moderate.
• Swelling of the neck: Characteristic “bull neck” appearance due to swollen lymph nodes.
• Weakness and fatigue: General feeling of being unwell and weak.
• Thick, grayish membrane in the throat: A thick coating in the throat or nose, which can make breathing and swallowing difficult.
• Hoarseness or loss of voice: Caused by swelling and infection in the throat.
• Difficulty breathing: In severe cases, the membrane can obstruct the airway, leading to breathing difficulties.
Preventive Measures
To prevent the spread of diphtheria, several measures should be followed:
• Good hygiene practices: Regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting contaminated objects and surfaces.
• Isolation of infected individuals: Those diagnosed with diphtheria should remain isolated until they are no longer contagious.
• Prompt treatment: Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear. Early treatment with antibiotics (such as penicillin or erythromycin) and diphtheria antitoxin can help reduce the severity of the illness and prevent further spread.
• Vaccination: The DTP vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) is the most effective way to prevent diphtheria, typically given in childhood, with booster shots recommended for adults, especially those traveling to areas with a higher risk.
Diphtheria is a preventable but potentially deadly disease that continues to pose a threat in Nigeria due to low immunization rates.
