A deadly diphtheria outbreak has ripped through the quiet Mbutu Community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, leaving multiple children dead and schools shuttered in a desperate attempt to contain the spread.
Although the exact number of child fatalities remains unconfirmed as of Wednesday, local reports suggest a disturbing toll. The outbreak, which surfaced less than a week ago, has triggered widespread panic among residents and prompted an immediate public health response.
Confirming the grim development, the Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Hon. Iheukwumere Alaribe, described the situation as a “tragic emergency” in a statement released Monday. “This is a moment of deep sorrow for our community. We must unite to confront this invisible enemy and protect our children,” Alaribe said.
Diphtheria, a highly infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, typically targets the nose and throat, but in some cases, it can affect the skin. It spreads rapidly through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, or direct contact with an infected individual. The disease is particularly fatal in unvaccinated children, often leading to severe respiratory complications and heart failure if untreated.
In response to the outbreak, all schools in the Mbutu community have been temporarily closed, and parents have been strongly advised to keep their children at home. An isolation facility has been swiftly established at the Mbutu Health Centre to treat suspected cases and prevent further transmission.
Godspower Dike, the spokesman for the LGA chairman, disclosed that a joint task force involving the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Imo State Ministry of Health’s Department of Disease Prevention and Control, and Aboh Mbaise health workers is already on ground conducting contact tracing and deploying emergency containment measures.
Chairman Alaribe has also launched an urgent vaccination appeal, stressing the critical importance of immunisation in curbing the spread. “In light of this outbreak, we are calling on all parents and guardians to immediately vaccinate their children. Vaccination is the strongest shield we have against this deadly disease,” he said.
Dike echoed this plea, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate fully with health authorities. “This is not the time for fear or misinformation. Let’s work together and follow all health directives. We will overcome this,” he said.
This latest outbreak adds to the growing list of diphtheria incidents plaguing Nigeria in recent years. In May, two children succumbed to the infection in Tukur-Tukur community, Zaria, Kaduna State. Earlier in March, a similar tragedy unfolded at the King’s College Victoria Island Annexe in Lagos, where a 12-year-old student died and 14 others were hospitalised.
According to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), as of March 9, 2025, Nigeria has recorded 25,812 confirmed diphtheria cases out of 42,642 suspected cases across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The ongoing epidemic has resulted in 1,319 deaths since 2022.
In Lagos, following the King’s College incident, health officials identified 34 close contacts of the deceased student. Fourteen developed symptoms and were transferred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where 12 tested positive for early-stage diphtheria and were placed on immediate treatment with antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has since activated an Emergency Response Committee and launched a statewide vaccination campaign targeting schoolchildren. “We are committed to halting this outbreak before it spirals out of control. The public must stay vigilant and report any symptoms early,” he said.
As health officials battle to prevent a full-scale public health disaster, the tragedy in Mbutu serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of preventable diseases—and the urgent need for widespread immunisation and public health education.
If you live in or near an affected area, please ensure that all children are vaccinated and report any symptoms of sore throat, fever, or difficulty breathing to the nearest health facility immediately.
PIONEER NEWS 