Against the outcry that has trailed the recent measles outbreak in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, which has claimed the lives of over 50 children, so far, the Rivers State Government says it has dispatched a fact-finding team to the area to ascertain the situation of things there.

The State Immunisation Officer, Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Dr. Joseph Urang, disclosed this in a chat with journalists on Monday, August 8, 2022 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.  

He regretted that extant protocols for reporting such outbreaks were not adhered to, informing that having become aware of the incident in the Media, the State Government had to deploy a fact-finding team to the area.   

“We have a protocol in reporting outbreaks. But unfortunately for us that protocol was not followed because the local government surveillance and notification officer is not aware of that measles outbreak.

“And the rest of other protocols are not aware. Whatever it is, we have heard it from the Radio, so we dispatched a team today, and they are on their way back.”

Kristina Reports has been reliably informed that about 50 children have been confirmed dead following an outbreak of measles in Kugbo Clan, Amurutoru-Kugbo, Emago-Kugbo and Akani-Kugbo Communities of Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Dr. Urang further informed that a second team of medical experts would be deployed to the community as a follow-up measure to ascertain the situation.

“Tomorrow (Tuesday) another set, the rapid response team are going in almost immediately. So, we will get a clear picture of what is happening.

“We want to be sure because sometimes when you see a man with issue of rashes, they say 50 persons. From the feedback we are getting, we didn’t verify any measles case.”