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An outbreak of measles has been reported and confirmed in two schools located in Akpabuyo’s local government areas of Cross River state.
The Commissioner for Health in the State, Dr. Henry Ayuk confirmed the outbreak, identifing the two schools as Navy Secondary School and Penniel Primary Schools, both cited in the area.
He disclosed that the State Rapid Response Team from the Ministry of Health has been activated and deployed to the affected area.
Also “reactive vaccination for children is ongoing in the affected areas and in other local government areas where there are no reported cases.
He said the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency is intensifying routine immunization to build up herd immunity.
Warning that Measles is a highly contagious infection, especially among non-immunized children, parents and caregivers are encouraged to respond positively to routine immunization campaigns for their children.”
Already, the management of the Nigeria Navy School has closed down the school due to the outbreak and directed parents to immediately come and pick up their children in the boarding facility.
The statement from the Navy School to parents read: “Good morning dear parents/guardian. This is to inform you that the school is vacating today due to some prevalent circumstances. The second-term academic activities will continue upon the return of the students. The date of return will be communicated. Please note that all SS 3 and JSS 3 students are to check for regular updates on WAEC, NECO, and BECE information. To this end, parents/guardians are kindly requested to pick up their children/wards with effect from today Fri 8 March 2024. Thank you and God bless.”
Efforts to talk to the School Commandant, Capt FI Uchieme were unsuccessful as his phone number wasn’t going through.
The Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association in the School, Okon Bassey, confirmed receipt of the message forcing the children into vacation but said he was yet to get through to the school management over the development.
Bassey said that whatever the case, he trusts the school management to have taken the right decision under the circumstances they find themselves.
He maintained that he had yet to ascertain the actual situation necessitating the school closure.
The state ministry of health explained in her statement that Measles displayed symptoms especially rashes and coughing in children, should be reported early to the nearest health facility, adding that self-medication should not be an option.
