By DAYO ADESULU
Lagos State Government Responds Swiftly to Diphtheria Outbreak
The diphtheria outbreak in Lagos has prompted the Lagos State Government to initiate an emergency vaccination campaign to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease. The exercise, launched on Tuesday, targeted students and staff of King’s College Annexe, Victoria Island, following confirmed cases of the bacterial infection within the school community.
Health Officials Inspect King’s College Annexe Amid Diphtheria Scare
A delegation of top state government officials, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), visited King’s College Annexe to assess the situation. Among the officials present were:
- Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health
- Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health
- Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District III
- Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, Director, Epidemiology, Biosecurity, and Global Health
During the visit, the team inspected critical facilities, including the school’s kitchen, dormitories, classrooms, sickbay, sanitary areas, and waste disposal units, to identify potential risk factors and enforce preventive measures.
Lagos State Government Intensifies Diphtheria Vaccination Efforts
The Lagos State Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Board led the intervention, underscoring the government’s commitment to stopping further infections. The vaccination exercise is targeting students (with parental consent) and school staff to create a protective barrier against diphtheria.
Speaking to the students, Prof. Akin Abayomi emphasized the importance of personal and environmental hygiene. He advised them to practice proper handwashing and to report symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and difficulty breathing immediately.
Parents Urged Not to Withdraw Students Amidst Diphtheria Outbreak
Prof. Abayomi reassured parents that the Lagos State Government is in full control of the situation. He urged them not to withdraw their children from school, warning that such actions could complicate containment efforts. Instead, he encouraged parents to allow their children to receive the free diphtheria vaccine, which is being administered on-site.
School Authorities Support Vaccination Exercise
King’s College Annexe Principal, Mr. Zachariah Magaji, along with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Chairman and alumni representatives, participated in the facility tour and vaccination campaign. School authorities pledged full cooperation with health officials to ensure all eligible students and staff are immunized.
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Public Advised to Stay Vigilant and Report Diphtheria Symptoms
Lagos State health officials urged residents to stay alert and watch for this disease symptoms, which include:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Thick gray coating in the throat or nose
Prof. Abayomi assured the public that while the disease vaccine may cause mild side effects, these reactions are rare and manageable. He advised individuals experiencing adverse effects to report to the school’s healthcare facility for immediate attention.
Lagos State Government Strengthens Public Health Measures
The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to collaborating with federal and international health agencies to monitor the diphtheria outbreak and deploy additional resources as needed.
Health officials are also scaling up awareness efforts within the school community to educate students, parents, and teachers about diphtheria prevention, symptoms, and treatment.
Additionally, the government is encouraging Lagos residents to take advantage of free immunization programs available at primary healthcare centers across the state to prevent further outbreaks.
Conclusion: Lagos State Takes Proactive Steps to Curb Diphtheria Spread
The diphtheria outbreak in Lagos has prompted swift action from the state government to contain the disease and protect public health. The emergency vaccination drive at King’s College Annexe marks a significant step in curbing the outbreak and preventing further infections.
The government has urged all residents to remain vigilant, adhere to public health guidelines, and get vaccinated against diphtheria.
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Dayo Adesulu, online editor, SEO expert.
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