The Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu, has denied claims circulating on social media that a student from Technical Training College (TTC) in Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area, died from diphtheria.
In an official statement, Dr. Egu described the viral video making rounds online as false and misleading. She said the Ministry of Health promptly investigated the claim and found that the case in question was not related to diphtheria, but rather a suspected case of cancer (malignancy), which has no link to any disease outbreak.
She further explained that the state’s Department of Public Health had already stepped in to handle the matter professionally. According to her, thorough checks and surveillance carried out in the school and surrounding area showed no signs of diphtheria.
“The situation is fully under control,” Dr. Egu said, urging the public, especially parents and guardians, not to panic.
She warned against spreading unverified information, especially in sensitive places like schools. “Misinformation can cause fear and disturb public peace. It also affects the efforts of health workers,” she noted.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that mainly affects the nose and throat, but health authorities have confirmed that no such outbreak exists in the school or anywhere in the area.
The Ministry reassured residents that they remain vigilant and committed to protecting public health in the state.
