Imo State

Authorities in Imo State have ordered the immediate closure of schools in Mbutu Community, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, following a deadly diphtheria outbreak that has claimed the lives of several children.

Although the exact number of fatalities remains unconfirmed, local officials say urgent measures have been taken to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease.

Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Mr. Iheukwumere Alaribe, confirmed the outbreak in a statement released on May 26, 2025, describing it as a serious public health emergency.

Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the nose and throat and spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. Without timely treatment, it can lead to severe complications or death.

In response to the outbreak, an isolation centre has been set up at the Mbutu Health Centre. According to Mr Godspower Dike, spokesman for the LGA Chairman, health workers have been deployed to quarantine suspected cases and provide medical support to affected families.

“The World Health Organisation, officials from the Department of Disease Prevention and Control at the Imo State Ministry of Health, and our local health team are working together to investigate and contain the spread of the disease,” Dike said.

He added that several children died within days of the first reported cases, prompting urgent interventions.

As a precautionary measure, all schools in the affected community have been temporarily shut down, and parents are advised to keep their children at home.

The LGA Chairman has also urged parents and guardians to ensure their children are fully vaccinated.

“In light of this outbreak, we are strongly advising all parents to take immediate steps to vaccinate their children. Immunisation is essential in protecting against diseases like diphtheria,” Alaribe stated.

The local government appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate fully with health authorities.

This latest incident comes just weeks after a similar outbreak was reported in the Tukur-Tukur community of Zaria, Kaduna State, where two children reportedly died.