Measles Outbreak Forces Adamawa State Government to Shut Down Schools, 42 Children Dead

Adamawa State government has taken drastic measures in response to a deadly measles outbreak that has claimed the lives of 42 children in the region. Public and private schools have been ordered to close indefinitely, according to a statement released by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Aisha Umar, in Yola on Monday.

READ ALSO: 

Suspected Measles Outbreak Kills 42 Children In Adamawa

The closure aims to curb the spread of the disease and facilitate mass vaccination efforts by the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA) targeting vulnerable age groups. The Ministry has set a new resumption date for schools on Monday, May 13, 2024.

Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Mr. Felix Tangwami, attributed the outbreak to vaccine non-compliant communities within the state. The majority of the reported cases occurred in Mubi North LGA, where 23 fatalities were recorded, and Gombi LGA, which accounted for 19 deaths.

The government’s swift action underscores the severity of the situation and its commitment to containing the outbreak to prevent further loss of life.