Many children have died as a result of a diphtheria outbreak in Mbutu Community, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State, which has forced the immediate closure of local schools.
According to Daily Trust, the precise number of deaths is still unknown as of Wednesday.
In a statement released on May 26, 2025, Iheukwumere Alaribe, the Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, confirmed the development.
The toxin-producing bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the cause of the highly contagious disease diphtheria, which mainly affects the nose and throat but can also affect the skin.
It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or via direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.
In response to the outbreak, the local government has taken swift action to curb further spread.
Schools in Mbutu have been temporarily closed, and parents have been advised to keep their children indoors.
“Diphtheria claimed the lives of the children less than a week after its outbreak.
“The chairman stated that the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Department of Disease Prevention and Control in the Imo State Ministry of Health, and health workers from Aboh Mbaise LGA were working tirelessly to investigate and contain the outbreak.
“An isolation centre has been established at Mbutu Health Centre, with health workers deployed to quarantine children who may have been exposed to the disease and to provide care for affected families,” said Godspower Dike, the spokesman for the chairman.
Alaribe also urged parents to take urgent steps to vaccinate their children.
“In light of this outbreak, parents who have not yet vaccinated their children are strongly urged to do so without delay.
“Vaccinations are crucial for preventing the spread of diseases and protecting our children’s health,” he stated.
The chairman’s spokesman, Dike, appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with health authorities.
“We encourage the public to remain calm and cooperate with the relevant authorities as we work to control this outbreak. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” he added
