By Sophia Afolabi

A diphtheria outbreak has claimed the lives of several children in the Mbutu community of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State. Local authorities confirmed the outbreak early this week, describing it as a public health emergency.

The Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Barr. Iheukwumere Henry Alaribe, disclosed the tragic development during a press briefing. He said urgent measures have been put in place to contain the spread of the disease, including the immediate closure of schools in the affected area.

Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the throat and nose but can also infect the skin. The disease spreads through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces or infected individuals.

As of Tuesday, multiple children had reportedly died from the outbreak, prompting swift response from health authorities. An isolation centre has been activated at the Mbutu Health Centre to manage and monitor potential cases.

“Our teams are on the ground conducting contact tracing, providing treatment, and ensuring that exposed individuals are quarantined,” said Godspower Dike, spokesperson for the LGA Chairman. “The isolation centre at Mbutu Health Centre is now operational, and we are doing everything possible to protect the lives of our children.”

According to spokesperson for the LGA Chairman, Godspower Dike, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Department of Disease Prevention and Control in the Imo State Ministry of Health, along with health staff from Aboh Mbaise, were working around the clock to investigate and contain the spread of this unusual disease.

Parents have been advised to keep their children indoors and ensure they are fully vaccinated. Officials are also urging community members to remain calm and cooperate with healthcare personnel to help stop the outbreak.