BREAKING: Schools shut as diphtheria outbreak claims lives in Imo community

A diphtheria outbreak in Mbutu Community, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, has led to the deaths of several children, prompting an immediate closure of schools in the area.

 

The exact number of fatalities remains unconfirmed, a popular Newspaper reports on Wednesday.

 

The Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Iheukwumere Alaribe, confirmed the development in a statement issued on May 26, 2025.

 

Diphtheria, a highly infectious disease caused by the toxin-producing bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affects the nose and throat but can also impact 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

 

In the first week of May, the disease killed two children in the Tukur-Tukur community of Zaria, Kaduna State.

 

Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease.

 

Health authorities have reiterated the importance of routine immunisation to protect children from preventable diseases like diphtheria.

 

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.

 

According to report, as of March 9, 2025, the outbreak has led to 1,319 deaths, according to the latest situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, covering the period from week 19 of 2022 to week 10 of 2025.

 

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