A diphtheria outbreak at King’s College Lagos (KCL) has claimed the life of a junior secondary school student, while four other students remain under medical observation, sparking fear among parents and calls for urgent intervention.
The Chairperson of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), Peter Oluwaleye, confirmed the fatality on Monday, revealing that the student died last week at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) despite efforts from his family, school authorities, and medical staff.
“The issue of diphtheria in the college has been exaggerated on some platforms, but the reality is far from panic,” Oluwaleye stated in a statement.
“Regrettably, we lost one of our students at LUTH last week, despite the combined efforts of the family, college management, PTA executives, and hospital staff. It is highly regrettable. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Our sincere condolences go to the family and the King’s College community.”
Parents had earlier raised concerns over the suspected outbreak after reports emerged of multiple students exhibiting symptoms of the bacterial infection, blame poor sanitary conditions and inadequate response from school authorities.
Currently, four suspected cases are receiving medical attention at LUTH while awaiting test results.
In 2023, a similar health scare emerged when JSS1 students reportedly developed blisters and fever, which parents suspected were linked to waterborne infections. However, school authorities and the PTA dismissed claims of an outbreak, insisting that the school’s water sources were well-maintained and treated regularly.
In response to the recent diphtheria case, Oluwaleye assured parents that measures have been implemented to curb the spread.
“Prophylactic medication has been provided for students showing symptoms, and representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) have donated additional medication for 100 patients,” he said.
He further disclosed that nose masks have been distributed to all students, and an isolation center has been set up within the school premises for suspected cases.
