The Plateau State Government has ordered the temporary shutdown of all public and private primary and secondary schools in the state following concerns over suspected diphtheria infections.
The directive, announced on Saturday, is expected to take effect from Monday and will remain in place indefinitely as authorities intensify efforts to contain the suspected outbreak.
The Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, disclosed this in a statement, explaining that the measure was primarily aimed at protecting pupils, students and school personnel from possible exposure to the infection.
“The directive… is taking preventative measures against the diphtheria infection outbreak of suspected cases in some parts of the State, notably Jos North, Wase, Jos South & Bassa Local Government Areas,” she said.
Ramnap clarified that the directive covers schools that had already commenced academic activities for the new term.
“Accordingly, schools that have already resumed academic activities are also directed to close from Monday, and remain closed until further notice,” she added.
The government subsequently appealed to school proprietors, administrators, teachers and parents to ensure strict compliance with the order and keep children at home throughout the period.
“Furthermore, school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians are to comply fully with the directive and ensure that students and pupils remain safely at home throughout the period as part of measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils, students, teaching and non-teaching staff during the period under review,” the commissioner said.
The affected areas include Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas, where suspected cases have reportedly triggered increased public health surveillance.
Following the development, health authorities have activated response measures in the affected communities, including monitoring and investigation of suspected cases.
The government said the temporary closure would help reduce the risk of transmission among children while health officials carry out contact tracing, vaccination exercises and decontamination in locations considered at risk.
Diphtheria is an infectious disease that can spread through respiratory droplets and close physical contact. Crowded environments, including schools, can facilitate transmission.
The latest measure is part of efforts by the state authorities to prevent the suspected cases from developing into a wider outbreak and safeguard the health of pupils, students and school staff.
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