Several children have died following a diphtheria outbreak in Mbutu, a community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. As a result, local authorities have shut down schools and introduced emergency health measures to stop the disease from spreading further.
Iheukwumere Alaribe, Chairman of the Aboh Mbaise LGA, confirmed the outbreak in a statement released on May 26, 2025. While the exact number of deaths remains unclear, families in the area have been thrown into mourning as residents grapple with the sudden loss of young lives.
Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, is known to spread quickly, especially in crowded places like schools. It mostly affects the throat and nose but can also infect the skin. The disease spreads through sneezing, coughing, or touching infected surfaces and people.
To stop more infections, schools in the Mbutu community have been temporarily shut. Parents have also been advised to keep their children at home and avoid public gatherings.
“Diphtheria claimed the lives of the children less than a week after its outbreak,” the chairman’s office said.
According to Godspower Dike, spokesperson for the local government chairman, several agencies are working together to tackle the crisis. These include the World Health Organisation, officials from the Imo State Ministry of Health, and health workers within Aboh Mbaise LGA.
“An isolation centre has been established at Mbutu Health Centre, with health workers deployed to quarantine children who may have been exposed to the disease and to provide care for affected families,” Dike stated.
Parents have been reminded about the importance of vaccination. Alaribe noted that immunisation is the best way to protect children against diphtheria.
“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 said.
Dike also called on residents to stay calm and assist health authorities in any way they can during this time.
“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,” he added.
This outbreak comes just weeks after two children died from the same disease in Zaria, Kaduna State. Diphtheria is considered a vaccine-preventable illness, yet Nigeria continues to face large numbers of cases.
According to official data, the country has recorded 25,812 confirmed diphtheria cases out of 42,642 suspected ones. These span 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, affecting 350 local government areas. As of March 9, 2025, the outbreak has caused 1,319 deaths, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
