An unconfirmed number of children have been confirmed dead in Mbutu Community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State due to an outbreak of diphtheria.
The Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Barr. Iheukwumere Henry Alaribe, confirmed the death of the children in a statement dated May 26, 2025.
Diphtheria is caused by a toxin-producing bacterium called corynebacterium diphtheriae.
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The bacteria usually infect the nose and throat, but can also affect the skin and is spread 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 a temporary closure of schools in Mbutu to checkmate the spread.
Spokesman to the chairman, Godspower Dike, said diphtheria claimed the 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.
He said an isolation centre has been established at Mbutu Health Centre 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 stated.
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.
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