The Adamawa state government has extended the resumption of primary and secondary schools for the third term academic session to May 13, to enable the government to vaccinate children against measles.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development in Adamawa, Aisha Umar announced in a statement on Monday in Yola.
Umar explained that the pupils and students were earlier scheduled to resume today, May 6, but the resumption was extended to May 13 to contain the outbreak of measles in parts of Adamawa state.
According to her, the disease had already affected some children.
“In view of the above, the Executive Governor of Adamawa, Ahmadu Fintiri, has directed that all schools, both public and private, should remain closed for one week.
“The new resumption date will be Monday, May 13, to enable the taskforce to conduct an elaborate vaccination campaign to all children.
“The ministry regrets all inconveniences caused by the sudden extension” she said.
A measles outbreak had recently killed 42 children in Mubi North and Gombi local government areas of Adamawa state.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.
“It can cause severe disease, complications, and even death.
“Measles can affect anyone but is most common in children.
“Measles infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and a rash all over the body.
“Being vaccinated is the best way to prevent getting sick with measles or spreading it to other people. The vaccine is safe and helps your body fight off the virus,” the WHO advised.
An estimated 136 000 people died from measles in 2022 – mostly children under the age of five years, despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine.
NAN
