Lagos Student Dies of Diphtheria Despite Urgent Medical Treatment – Health Authorities Respond
A student at King’s College, Lagos, tragically passed away on March 6, 2025, after developing myocarditis—a severe complication of diphtheria that affects the heart. He was promptly referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he received antibiotics and a full dose of diphtheria antitoxin. Despite these medical interventions, he did not survive.
Health Officials Identify 34 Close Contacts, 14 Show Symptoms
Following the incident, health authorities identified 34 individuals who had been in close contact with the deceased student. Of these, 14 developed diphtheria-like symptoms and were admitted to LUTH for treatment. Fortunately, all symptomatic students are responding well to medical care.
What is Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as:
✅ Sore throat
✅ Fever
✅ Swollen neck glands
✅ Difficulty breathing due to a thick, grayish membrane forming in the throat
If left untreated, diphtheria can lead to severe complications, including nerve damage, heart problems, kidney failure, and even death.
How is Diphtheria Spread?
Diphtheria is transmitted through:
🔹 Respiratory droplets: When an infected person coughs or sneezes, bacteria spread through the air.
🔹 Direct contact: Touching open sores or ulcers of an infected person can lead to transmission.
🔹 Contaminated surfaces: Bacteria can survive on objects like cups, utensils, and toys, causing indirect infection.
Who is at Risk of Diphtheria?
Anyone without proper vaccination is at risk of contracting diphtheria. High-risk groups include:
✔️ Unvaccinated individuals
✔️ People living in crowded or unsanitary conditions
✔️ Malnourished individuals
✔️ Adults over 60 years old
Symptoms of Diphtheria
Common diphtheria symptoms appear 2-5 days after exposure and include:
🔸 Severe throat pain
🔸 Fatigue and weakness
🔸 Fever
🔸 Swollen neck glands
🔸 Breathing difficulties due to airway obstruction
🔸 Nerve, kidney, or heart complications if the bacteria enter the bloodstream
Diphtheria Prevention: Vaccination is Key
The best way to prevent diphtheria is vaccination. The diphtheria vaccine is included in:
🛡️ The pentavalent vaccine for infants
🛡️ The DTP vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis), which requires booster doses throughout childhood
In response to the outbreak, Nigerian health authorities have intensified vaccination campaigns, urging parents to ensure their children receive the full vaccine doses.
Government Calls for Nationwide Diphtheria Vaccination Campaign
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to immediately launch a nationwide diphtheria vaccination program in schools to curb the spread of the disease.
House spokesman Akin Rotimi moved the motion, “The Outbreak of Diphtheria in King’s College, Lagos,” during a plenary session on March 12, 2025. He cited alarming data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which reported 24,804 confirmed cases across 25 states since 2022, resulting in 1,269 deaths across 18 states.
How to Protect Yourself from Diphtheria
✅ Get vaccinated – Ensure children and adults receive all recommended diphtheria vaccine doses.
✅ Practice good hygiene – Wash hands regularly and avoid close contact with infected individuals.
✅ Maintain respiratory hygiene – Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
✅ Keep a clean environment – Regular sanitation reduces the risk of bacterial infections.
Diphtheria remains a serious health threat in Nigeria due to low immunization rates, but with increased awareness and vaccination, outbreaks can be prevented.