Imo Schools Shut Over Death Of Children From Diphtheria Outbreak

Unconfirmed number of children have been confirmed dead in Mbutu Community in Aboh Mbaise local government area of Imo State due to outbreak of diphtheria.

Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Barr. Iheukwumere Henry Alaribe confirmed the death of the children in a statement dated May 26th, 2025.

Diphtheria is caused by a toxin-producing bacterium called corynebacterium diphtheriae.

The bacteria usually infects the nose and throat, but can also affect the skin and spreads through the air via respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.

Already, the local government chairman has ordered temporary closure of schools in Mbutu as a control mechanism to checkmate the spread.

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Spokesperson to the chairman, Godspower Dike, said diphtheria has claimed lives of the children less than a week after its outbreak.

He added that parents have been instructed to keep their children indoors to prevent infection.

According to the Chairman, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Department of Disease Prevention and Control in the Imo State Ministry of Health, along with health workers from Aboh Mbaise LGA were working round the clock to investigate and contain the spread of the unusual disease.

According to him, an isolation center has been established at Mbutu Health Center while health workers have been deployed to quarantine children who may have been exposed to the disease, and to ensure the well-being of the community.

He appealed to parents to immediately vaccinate their children to help protect them.

“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,” the chairman appealed.

The statement further appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with relevant organisations to control the outbreak.

“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”, Dike said.