Lagos is trending with news about the diphtheria outbreak at King’s College, Victoria Island, where 14 students fell sick and one sadly passed away. But what exactly is diphtheria? How does it spread in a busy city like ours? And what can you do to keep your family safe? At Bestlagos.ng, we’re breaking it down in simple terms so every Lagosian can understand and stay protected.
What Is Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a serious sickness caused by a germ (bacteria) that attacks your throat and nose. This germ makes a poison that can make it hard to breathe or even hurt your heart if it’s not treated fast.
It’s not a new disease, but it’s rare in places like Lagos because of vaccines. Still, when it shows up like it did at King’s College, it can spread quickly if we’re not careful.
How Does It Spread?
Diphtheria loves crowded places, and Lagos has plenty of those! It moves from person to person when someone sick coughs or sneezes, sending tiny droplets into the air.
You can catch it by breathing in those droplets or touching things like doorknobs or shared cups that the sick person touched.
In Lagos’ hot and humid weather, germs can hang around longer, especially in tight spaces like buses, markets, or hostels. That’s why it hit a boarding school like King’s College hard.
Symptoms to Watch For
If you or your kids start feeling off, here’s what to look out for:
- Sore throat that won’t go away
- Fever (feeling hot and tired)
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Swollen neck (sometimes called a “bull neck”)
- A gray or white patch in the throat (you might not see this yourself)
These signs can start small, but they get worse fast. The student who passed away at King’s College had a sore throat and fever that turned into something much scarier. If you spot these, don’t wait; head to a clinic or hospital right away.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Kids in Lagos
Lagos’ busy streets and sticky weather make it easy for diphtheria to spread, but you can fight back with these simple steps:
- Wash your hands often: Use soap and water, especially after being in crowded places like Oshodi Market or CMS.
- Avoid sharing stuff: Don’t drink from the same cup or use someone else’s spoon.
- Keep air moving: Open windows at home or in school to stop germs from sitting in the humid air.
- Stay away from sick people: If someone’s coughing a lot, give them space.
- Wear a mask: In tight spots like danfos or BRT buses, a mask can help, especially now with this outbreak.
For kids, make sure they don’t play too close to anyone who looks unwell. Schools in places like Victoria Island and Eti-Osa, near King’s College, should be extra careful because lots of people live close together there.
Vaccines
The good news? Diphtheria can be stopped with a vaccine. It’s part of the shots kids get when they’re little, but some miss out or need a booster as they grow up. After the King’s College outbreak, Lagos State started emergency vaccinations for students.
Where to Get Vaccinated in Lagos:
- LUTH (Lagos University Teaching Hospital)
- Primary Health Centres (PHCs): Check your local PHC in places like Eti-Osa, Surulere, or Ikeja.
- King’s College Area Clinics:
Why Victoria Island and Eti-Osa Are at Risk
The outbreak started at King’s College Annex in Victoria Island, a busy area with lots of schools, offices, and homes packed together. Nearby Eti-Osa is just as crowded, with big markets and traffic jams that keep people close. The humid air here doesn’t help, it lets germs stick around longer. If you live or work in these areas, stay sharp and follow our tips.
Your Lagos Insider Says: Act Now!
At Bestlagos.ng, we’re here to keep you informed and safe. Diphtheria sounds scary, but you don’t have to panic. Knowing the symptoms like sore throat and fever and getting vaccinated can stop it in its tracks. Share this with your friends and family, especially if they’re near Victoria Island or Eti-Osa. Have you seen any diphtheria signs around you? Let us know in the comments, we’re all in this together!
Stay safe, Lagos! For more updates, keep checking Bestlagos.ng—your trusted Lagos insider.
