An outbreak of diphtheria in Mbutu Community, Aboh Mbaise LGA, Imo State, has tragically resulted in multiple child deaths. Consequently, local authorities have acted swiftly by implementing urgent measures to contain this highly contagious disease’s spread. Although the precise death toll remains unconfirmed, officials prioritize immediate intervention to prevent further fatalities.
Iheukwumere Alaribe, the Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, publicly announced the outbreak and casualties on May 26, 2025. He emphasized that the situation requires urgent attention and coordinated response efforts to mitigate the spread of disease.
Diphtheria, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, mainly infects the nose and throat regions. It spreads rapidly through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, making it highly contagious.
The disease poses a significant threat, particularly to unvaccinated individuals.
Due to the outbreak, schools in Mbutu temporarily close, and authorities strongly advise parents to keep children indoors.
This measure aims to lower exposure risk and effectively prevent the disease’s further spread through community containment efforts.
An isolation center has been established at Mbutu Health Centre, where health workers quarantine exposed individuals, providing essential medical care.
Furthermore, this center ensures that those affected are monitored closely, minimizing transmission and safeguarding public health effectively.
This dedicated facility helps contain the outbreak and ensures affected families receive timely treatment.
Multiple agencies, including the WHO, Imo State Ministry of Health, and local health workers, are coordinating efforts to control the situation efficiently. Chairman Alaribe emphasizes that parents must vaccinate their children promptly to prevent the spread of diphtheria through immunization.
Godspower Dike, speaking on behalf of the chairman, urges the public to remain calm and cooperate fully with health officials managing the crisis. This collective effort is crucial to overcoming the outbreak successfully.
He assured residents that updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
This outbreak in Imo State follows similar cases reported in other parts of Nigeria. Earlier this month, two children lost their lives to diphtheria in the Tukur-Tukur community, Zaria, Kaduna State.
Although vaccine-preventable, diphtheria remains a significant public health issue in Nigeria, primarily due to immunisation gaps.
According to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), between 2022 and early 2025, Nigeria recorded 25,812 confirmed diphtheria cases out of 42,642 suspected cases across 26 states and 184 local government areas. The outbreak has claimed 1,319 lives nationwide during this period. These figures underscore the urgent need for widespread vaccination campaigns and heightened public health awareness to combat the disease effectively.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to public health guidelines as efforts to contain the outbreak continue.