Schools shut as diphtheria claims lives in Imo state

A sudden outbreak of diphtheria in the Mbutu community of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area (LGA) in Imo State has reportedly claimed the lives of several children within a week, prompting emergency containment measures. Iheukwumere Alaribe, chairman of the LGA, confirmed the tragic development in a press statement, describing the outbreak as a serious public health concern. In response, he ordered the immediate closure of all nursery, primary, and secondary schools in the affected area to prevent further spread of the infection. Health officials from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Imo State Ministry of Healths Department of Disease Prevention and Control, and the Aboh Mbaise Health Authority have launched a coordinated response. An isolation centre has been established at the Mbutu Health Centre, where medical personnel have been deployed to quarantine children who are infected or at risk of infection. The local government chairman urged parents in the community to ensure their children are vaccinated, emphasising that immunisation remains the most effective defence against diphtheria and similar infectious diseases. While calling for calm, Alaribe assured residents that the state government is monitoring the situation closely and will provide regular updates. He appealed for public cooperation as health officials work to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.