Students of King’s College Annex, Lagos, who were hospitalized following a diphtheria outbreak, are now medically fit and set to be discharged, according to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
The announcement was made by the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Wasiu Adeyemo, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday.
The outbreak, which claimed the life of one student, prompted the immediate transfer of affected students to LUTH for treatment last Saturday. Diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by *Corynebacterium diphtheriae*, spreads rapidly through contact with infected individuals.
Dr. Adeyemo confirmed that the students’ health has significantly improved, stating, “The health condition of the diphtheria-affected boys under our care has improved, as they are now fit to go and will soon be discharged.”
However, he noted that the hospital is conducting additional monitoring to ensure full recovery and prevent any risk of relapse.
“Despite their present sound health, they are still in LUTH because the hospital still wants to further observe their health condition,”* he added.
Regarding the medical bills, Dr. Adeyemo clarified that the costs would be jointly covered by the Lagos State Government, the school management, parents, and the hospital. He emphasized that the priority remains the students’ full recovery, assuring that “payment of the medical bills will not be an issue.”
Dr. Adeyemo also urged the public to remain vigilant, advising students, parents, and school authorities to take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the disease. “What matters is to ensure that the students have adequately recovered and are back on their feet,” he concluded.
The hospital’s proactive measures and collaborative efforts have been pivotal in managing the outbreak, ensuring the students’ swift recovery and preventing further casualties.