A diphtheria outbreak in Mbutu Community, Aboh Mbaise Local Government region, Imo State, has resulted in the deaths of numerous children, necessitating the immediate closure of all schools in the region.
According to reports, the exact number of fatalities has yet to be confirmed.
Iheukwumere Alaribe, Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, announced the development in a statement made on May 26, 2025.
Diphtheria, a highly contagious disease caused by the toxin-producing bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, typically affects the nose and throat but can also harm the skin.
It spreads through respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing, as well as direct contact with sick individuals or contaminated objects.
The local administration has responded to the outbreak by acting quickly to prevent its spread.
Parents are being warned to keep their children indoors as schools in Mbutu have been temporarily shuttered.
“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 called on 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, urged 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
Nigeria has recorded 25,812 confirmed cases of diphtheria out of 42,642 suspected cases across 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and 350 local government areas, with confirmed cases spread across 184 LGAs in 26 states.
