Public Schools In Cross River Closed Due To Outbreak Of Measles

By Ayodele Oni

Public schools in Cross River state are being forced to commence second term break due to outbreak of contagious measles.

Already the disease has been reported and confirmed in two schools located in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the State.

The Commissioner for Health in the State, Dr. Henry Ayuk confirmed the outbreak, identifying the two schools as Navy Secondary School and Penniel Primary Schools.

He disclosed that the State Rapid Response Team from the Ministry of Health has been activated and deployed to the affected area.

Already, the authority of the Nigeria Navy School has ordered closure as a result of 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 reads: “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.”

Meanwhile the commissioner stated that “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.