Headline
Fatal Diphtheria Outbreak in Imo State’s Mbutu Community Prompts School Closures

A recent outbreak of diphtheria in Mbutu Community, Aboh Mbaise LGA, Imo State, has resulted in the deaths of several children, prompting authorities to close schools and intensify health measures to prevent further spread.
The exact death toll has not been confirmed, according to Daily Trust’s May 28, 2025 report. Iheukwumere Alaribe, Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, confirmed the outbreak in a statement dated May 26.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the skin. It spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact.
In response, schools in Mbutu have been shut down, and parents have been advised to keep children indoors. “Diphtheria claimed the lives of the children less than a week after its outbreak,” said Godspower Dike, spokesman for the chairman.
The WHO, Imo State Ministry of Health’s Disease Prevention and Control Department, and local health workers are actively investigating and managing the outbreak. An isolation centre has been established at Mbutu Health Centre to quarantine and treat affected children and families.
Chairman Alaribe stressed the importance of vaccination: “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.”
Dike appealed for calm and cooperation from the public, promising regular updates.
This outbreak follows a similar incident in early May in Kaduna State, where two children died from diphtheria. Nigeria has recorded over 25,000 confirmed cases and 1,319 deaths nationwide since 2022.
-
Headline1 week ago
FG to Sell Emefiele’s 753 Duplexes to Nigerians, Experts Question Affordability
-
Headline6 days ago
PDP NEC Meeting Postponed Again as Internal Crisis Deepens; Governors, BoT, and Saraki Panel to Meet
-
Headline1 week ago
North-Central APC Forum Endorses Tinubu and Mutfwang, Adopts Green Cap Movement for 2027
-
Entertainment1 week ago
American Singer, Billy Joel Diagnosed With Brain Disorder
-
Headline1 week ago
Internal Tensions Surface in ADC as It Becomes Platform for Anti-Tinubu Coalition
-
Headline4 days ago
Ogun Athletes’ Protest Over Allowances at National Sports Festival Deemed ‘Impatient’ by State Government
-
Headline1 week ago
UCL 2025/26: 27 Clubs Secured Qualification Spot Already (FULL LIST)
-
Headline6 days ago
Children’s Day 2025: President Tinubu Calls for National Unity Against Bullying, Reaffirms Child Welfare Priorities
-
Headline1 week ago
Federal Government Files Defamation Suit Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan; Legal Team Vows to Present Evidence
-
Crime1 week ago
[VIDEO]: NDLEA’s Drug Seizure at Lagos Airport Reveals Evolving Trafficking Tactics