The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Health Service and Environment Secretariat has categorically denied viral news reports claiming that 10 children have died from measles in Damagaza community.
In a statement signed by Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, on Wednesday, the FCTA clarified that a multi-sectoral team conducted an investigation in Damagaza community and found no evidence to substantiate the rumors.
The team, comprising the Executive Secretary of the Primary Health Care Board, the Director of Public Health, the State Epidemiologist, and other officials, engaged with key community leaders, including the Mai Anguwa, the Women Leader, and community volunteers.
However, the community head and other informants stated that they were unaware of any recent child deaths due to measles.
Dr. Fasawe emphasized that measles is a vaccine-preventable disease that requires a professional diagnosis following laboratory investigation, which was not conducted before the report was published.
Additionally, the reported deaths were not known to the village head or other key informants, including health workers at the Damagaza Primary Health Care facility. The names, parents, ages, sex, and addresses of the deceased children could not be confirmed.
The FCT Administration strongly stated that the rumors of 10 deaths due to a measles outbreak in Damagaza are false and urged residents to disregard the misinformation and continue their activities peacefully.
The statement reassured citizens that the FCT’s surveillance system is active and sensitive enough to prevent, detect, or control outbreaks.
Dr. Fasawe called on news agencies to thoroughly investigate and verify information with the appropriate authorities before publication.
Furthermore, NGOs and community-based organizations were warned against setting up parallel surveillance structures and raising false alarms that cause panic for organizational gain.
The government will not tolerate unsubstantiated reports and will sanction those responsible for spreading misinformation.
