The Imo State Ministry of Health has debunked reports of a student’s death from diphtheria at TTC Practising School, Irete, Owerri West LGA, describing them as “false and misleading.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu, said there is no evidence of a diphtheria outbreak in the school or anywhere in Owerri West.
“We hereby state clearly that the claim is untrue. The case being referenced is a suspected but unconfirmed case of malignancy, not diphtheria,” Egu said.
The Ministry explained that the Department of Public Health has taken charge of the situation and is conducting “all necessary investigations and surveillance in line with established public health protocols.”
Egu warned against spreading unverified information, especially on social media, which she said could “cause unnecessary panic and hinder effective response.”
“The Ministry strongly warns against the spread of false and misleading information. We call on all citizens to act responsibly and verify information from credible sources before sharing,” she added.
The Commissioner urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that there is no cause for alarm.
“The Imo State Ministry of Health remains committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of all residents,” the statement read.
Residents have been advised to report any suspicious health concerns to the Ministry’s official emergency line: +234 803 671 8000.
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