Diphtheria Outbreak Claims Children’s Lives in Imo State, Schools Shut as Authorities Race to Contain Spread

A tragic diphtheria outbreak has struck the Mbutu Community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State, leading to the deaths of several children and prompting an emergency closure of schools in the affected region. The outbreak, which was confirmed by the Aboh Mbaise LGA Chairman, Iheukwumere Alaribe, in a statement on May 26, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the community as health authorities work urgently to contain its spread.

Though the precise number of fatalities remains unconfirmed as of the time of this report, local officials and residents have raised alarm over the sudden and fatal nature of the disease’s spread. Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a bacterium that primarily affects the respiratory tract but can also cause skin lesions. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.

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In response to the outbreak, the local government acted swiftly by shutting down all schools in Mbutu and advising parents to keep their children at home. “Diphtheria claimed the lives of the children less than a week after its outbreak,” Chairman Alaribe disclosed in the statement. These measures, he said, are intended to curb the disease’s transmission and allow time for urgent health interventions.

The local response has drawn support from state and international health agencies. The World Health Organisation (WHO), the Imo State Ministry of Health’s Department of Disease Prevention and Control, and local health officials have deployed medical personnel and resources to investigate and manage the outbreak. An isolation centre has been established at Mbutu Health Centre to quarantine suspected cases and provide immediate care to those affected.

Spokesman to the chairman, Godspower Dike, provided further insight into the containment efforts. “Health workers have been stationed at the isolation centre to provide support to affected families and to screen other children who may have been exposed,” Dike stated.

Chairman Alaribe used the opportunity to issue a strong call for vaccination. “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,” he emphasized. Dike added, “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.”

This isn’t the first diphtheria-related tragedy in Nigeria in recent months. Earlier in May, two children died in the Tukur-Tukur community of Zaria, Kaduna State, under similar circumstances. These events underscore the broader challenge Nigeria faces in eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly in under-resourced or underserved communities.

The diphtheria situation in Nigeria has been dire. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the country has recorded 25,812 confirmed cases of diphtheria out of 42,642 suspected cases across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, spanning 350 LGAs. These figures are cumulative from the 19th epidemiological week of 2022 to the 10th week of 2025. Tragically, the outbreak has already claimed 1,319 lives.

Health officials and experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of childhood immunisation as a key defense against diphtheria and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Routine immunisation, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas like Mbutu, has often been hindered by limited access to healthcare, vaccine hesitancy, and logistical challenges.

The recent outbreak in Mbutu has reignited calls for a nationwide campaign to boost vaccination rates and improve public awareness. It also highlights the need for more robust health infrastructure and rapid response systems at the local level to detect and respond to outbreaks before they spiral out of control.

As health workers continue to monitor the situation in Mbutu and beyond, residents are urged to adhere to preventive measures and report any symptoms such as sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing, or swelling in the neck area. Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing diphtheria, which can be fatal if not treated promptly with antitoxins and antibiotics.

For now, the community of Mbutu mourns its losses while bracing for the next steps in a battle that is far from over. The hope is that swift action, community cooperation, and vaccination will halt the disease’s advance and prevent further tragedies.