Imo govt shuts schools over diphtheria outbreak in Orlu
A recent outbreak of diphtheria in Imo Relate has claimed the lives of three college pupils—a woman and two boys—over the weekend within the Amihie Ward, Obibi Ochasi, Okwuabala, and Ihiteowere areas of Orlu Native Council.
In response, the Imo Relate executive has ordered the immediate closure of all colleges within the affected neighborhood. The Commissioner for Fundamental and Secondary Training, Prof. B. T. O. Ikegwuoha, launched the measure in a observation issued the day before currently, confirming preliminary findings of the disease’s resurgence within the intention.
In accordance with Ikegwuoha, the outbreak is targeted in a lot of substances of Orlu, alongside with Amihie Ward, Ogberuru, and Obibi Ochasi. He revealed that three fatalities had been confirmed to this point, whereas three extra circumstances had been reported within families within the Okwuabala and Ihiteowere areas.
“The reported outbreak of diphtheria has resulted in the deaths of three childhood in Orlu Council, and as a precautionary measure, all colleges in affected communities are rapidly closed,” Ikegwuoha stated. He urged principals, headmistresses, folk, and guardians to stick strictly to the closure directive.
This most popular outbreak follows an preliminary case reported three weeks ago in Aboh Mbaise Native Council, which resulted in six fatalities and a short-timeframe shutdown of colleges within the house. Those colleges had been reopened handiest closing week after the disease changed into reportedly contained.
The commissioner explained that the closure decision changed into made in session with Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Govt Chairman of Orlu Council, Pastor Chris Mbarie. He emphasised the have to err on the aspect of caution to safeguard pupils and students within the affected areas.
“All colleges in and round Obibi Ochasi, Ogberuru, Okwuabala, Ihioma Clan, Ihitenansa, Asaa Ubirielem, Umuhu Okabia, and adjoining communities are hereby closed till extra query,” Ikegwuoha acknowledged.
The commissioner added that the precautionary measure changed into needed to present protection to the neatly being and safety of the final public. “This decision underscores the importance of timely move to hang the disease and develop sure that the neatly-being of all citizens,” he stated.
