Plateau govt closes schools over diphtheria spread

The Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all primary and secondary schools in the region as a precaution against suspected diphtheria cases. This directive, issued by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, will remain in effect until further notice, starting from Monday. The closure is particularly targeted at schools in Jos North, Wase, Jos South, and Bassa Local Government Areas where diphtheria cases have been reported.

Even schools that had already resumed for the new term are instructed to close from Monday. Parents, teachers, and school owners are urged to fully comply with the directive, ensuring students remain at home during the closure period. Health authorities have confirmed cases in the mentioned areas, leading the Ministry of Health to activate response teams.

Diphtheria, which spreads through direct contact or respiratory droplets, is particularly prevalent in crowded settings like schools. The government hopes the closure will limit exposure while health workers conduct contact tracing, vaccination drives, and decontamination in the affected areas.