Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu, has dismissed recent social media reports claiming that a student at the Technical Training College (TTC) in Irete, Owerri West LGA, died from diphtheria.
In a press statement released on Saturday, Dr. Egu described the viral video as “misleading and entirely unfounded,” clarifying that the medical case referenced was not diphtheria-related but rather a suspected, unconfirmed case of malignancy with no link to any communicable disease.
She explained that the Ministry swiftly investigated the rumour through its Department of Public Health, which confirmed there was no sign of a diphtheria outbreak within the school or the local government area.
“Preliminary investigations and active surveillance have revealed no indicator of a diphtheria outbreak within the school or the LGA,” she stated, assuring parents and guardians that the situation is under control.
Dr. Egu further warned against spreading unverified information that could cause panic, especially in schools.
“The Ministry strongly warns against the spread of unverified and misleading narratives. Misinformation can fuel unnecessary panic and undermine the work of our health professionals,” she cautioned, urging the public to rely only on verified updates from health authorities.
