Diphtheria Outbreak in Imo Community Causes Multiple Child Deaths, Schools Closed Immediately

A diphtheria outbreak in Mbutu Community, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, has resulted in multiple child fatalities, prompting the immediate closure of schools in the area. While the exact death toll remains unconfirmed, local authorities are responding urgently to contain the spread of the highly infectious disease.

Iheukwumere Alaribe, Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, confirmed the outbreak and the deaths in a statement issued on May 26, 2025. Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium *Corynebacterium diphtheriae* and mainly affects the nose and throat, spreading through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.

In response, schools in Mbutu have been temporarily closed, and parents have been advised to keep their children indoors. An isolation centre has been set up at Mbutu Health Centre, where health workers are quarantining exposed children and providing care for affected families.

Authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Imo State Ministry of Health’s Department of Disease Prevention and Control, and local health workers, are actively investigating and managing the outbreak. The chairman urged parents to vaccinate their children immediately, emphasizing the importance of immunisation in preventing the disease.

Godspower Dike, spokesman for the chairman, called for calm and cooperation from the public as health officials work to control the situation. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

This outbreak follows earlier cases in other parts of Nigeria, including two child deaths reported in May in the Tukur-Tukur community of Zaria, Kaduna State. Diphtheria remains a vaccine-preventable disease, but Nigeria has recorded a significant number of suspected and confirmed cases across the country.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2022 through early 2025, Nigeria reported 25,812 confirmed diphtheria cases out of 42,642 suspected cases in 26 states and 184 local government areas. The outbreak has resulted in 1,319 deaths nationwide, underscoring the urgent need for widespread immunisation and public health vigilance.