A sudden outbreak of diphtheria has tragically claimed the lives of several children in the Mbutu Community of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area (LGA), Imo State.
The LGA Chairman, Iheukwumere Alaribe, confirmed the incident in a press statement, describing it as a devastating development that unfolded within just a week.
In response to the outbreak, the chairman ordered the immediate closure of all nursery, primary, and secondary schools in the affected area to prevent further spread of the disease.
To contain the situation, a joint emergency response has been launched by health officials from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Imo State Ministry of Health’s Department of Disease Prevention and Control, and the Aboh Mbaise Health Authority. An isolation centre has been established at the Mbutu Health Centre, where medical personnel are currently monitoring and treating infected and at-risk children.
Chairman Alaribe called on parents to ensure their children are vaccinated without delay, stressing that immunisation remains the most reliable protection against diphtheria and similar infectious diseases.
As the state government continues efforts to manage the outbreak, residents are urged to remain calm and cooperate with health officials. Authorities have assured the public of regular updates as the situation evolves.
