Schools Shut In Imo Over Diphtheria Outbreak, Several Children Dead

Several children have been confirmed dead in the Mbutu community in the Aboh Mbaise local government area of Imo State.

The chairman of Aboh Mbaise local government area of Imo State, Barr. Iheukwumere Henry Alaribe, who confirmed the death of the children, disclosed in a statement dated May 26th, 2025.

Diphtheria is caused by a toxin-producing bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheria. The bacteria usually infect the nose and throat, but can also affect the skin. It spreads through the air via respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.

The local government boss has already ordered the temporary closure of schools in Mbutu as a control mechanism to check the spread.

Spokesperson to the Aboh Mbaise local government chairman, Godspower Dike, said the diphtheria outbreak, which has been less than a week, has claimed the lives of several children, adding that parents have been directed to keep their children indoors.

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

Already, an isolation centre has been established at the Mbutu Health Centre, and health workers have been deployed to quarantine children who may have been exposed to the disease and ensure the well-being of the community.

He appealed to parents to immediately vaccinate their children to help protect their health, and to the public to remain calm and cooperate with relevant organisations to control the outbreak.

The statement read, “The executive chairman of Aboh Mbaise local government area, Barr. Iheukwumere Henry Alaribe wishes to inform the public about a recent outbreak of diphtheria in the Mbutu community, which has tragically claimed the lives of several children in less than a week.

“In response to this critical situation, the executive chairman has ordered the temporary closure of all nursery, primary, and secondary schools in Mbutu. This measure aims to help prevent the spread of diphtheria and ensure the safety of our children.

“The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Department of Disease Prevention and Control in the Imo State Ministry of Health, along with health staff from Aboh Mbaise, are actively working to investigate and contain the spread of this unusual disease. The local government and relevant agencies have established an isolation centre at the Mbutu Health Centre and have deployed health workers to quarantine children who may have been exposed to the disease, ensuring the well-being of our community.

“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.

“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.