Imo State Shuts Schools Amid Deadly Diphtheria Outbreak

Several children have been reported dead in the Mbutu area within Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.

Barr. Iheukwumere Henry Alaribe, chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, verified the fatalities in a statement dated May 26th, 2025.

Diphtheria is an infection triggered by a toxin-producing bacterium known as Corynebacterium diphtheria. The pathogen typically targets the respiratory tract but may also impact the skin. It spreads via airborne respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or through direct contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.

As a precautionary step to curb the outbreak, the local government head has directed that schools in Mbutu be temporarily shut down.

According to Godspower Dike, spokesperson for the chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government, the diphtheria outbreak, which began less than a week ago, has resulted in the deaths of several children. He added that parents were instructed to keep their children inside.

He said that the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Department of Disease Prevention and Control in the Imo State Ministry of Health, and health personnel from Aboh Mbaise are working tirelessly to trace the source and limit the spread of the rare illness.

A special isolation unit has now been set up at the Mbutu Health Centre, and medical teams are on ground to isolate potentially exposed children and protect the wider community.

He called on parents to promptly vaccinate their children to safeguard their health, and appealed to the public to stay composed and support the relevant health agencies in efforts to manage 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.