- A student at Kings College in Lagos died from dizziness, suspected to be related to diphthalmia.
- The incident is not isolated, as a similar death occurred in December, sparking concerns about the school’s sanitation and hygiene.
- The school’s infrastructure is divided between two locations: Victoria Island and Lagos Island.
- Overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in classrooms and hostels may have contributed to the outbreak.
- 34 students showed symptoms of diphtheria, with 14 being serious cases.
Anxiety is running high among parents of Kings College, Lagos students after a diphtheria outbreak claimed the life of a 12-year-old student. The situation has prompted some parents to ask their children to stay home for now, while others are pushing for an emergency Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting to assess the situation firsthand .
The Lagos State government has swung into action, launching a mass vaccination campaign for students across the school’s two campuses on Victoria Island and Lagos Island. However, some parents, like Nkechi, are seeking more reassurance, expressing concerns that the PTA’s assurances may not be enough.
Here’s a rundown of the situation:
· Diphtheria Outbreak: A 12-year-old student died from complications related to diphtheria, prompting an emergency response.
· Government Response: The Lagos State government has activated its Emergency Response Committee and begun a mass vaccination campaign.
· Parental Concerns: Parents are seeking an emergency PTA meeting to assess the situation and get reassurance about their children’s safety.
· Containment Measures: The government has identified and monitored 34 close contacts of the index case, with 12 students showing early signs of diphtheria and receiving treatment .
The recent diphtheria outbreak at Kings College in Lagos has raised concerns about the school’s sanitation and overcrowding. A 12-year-old student, the index case, sadly passed away due to complications from the disease . This incident has sparked worries that a similar death last December might have been caused by the same disease.
The school’s infrastructure is divided between two locations: the Junior Secondary School classes are held at the annex on Victoria Island, while the Senior Secondary School is located on Lagos Island.
A concerned parent highlighted the unsanitary conditions and overcrowding in the classrooms and hostels, which may have contributed to the outbreak. According to reports, 34 students showed symptoms of the disease, with 14 being serious cases.
The Lagos State Government has responded swiftly, activating emergency measures, including identifying and monitoring close contacts, providing vaccination, and distributing information leaflets to healthcare facilities .
