· Schools shut down in Imo community
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Diphtheria is extremely rare in the developed countries due to widespread vaccination against the disease. On the other hand, many countries with limited health care or vaccination options such as Nigeria still experience high rates of diphtheria. In the past couple of days what appears to be a looming epidemic is threatening in the country as diphtheria outbreak has hit certain parts of Imo State, leading to shut down of schools. In this Cover Story, PharmaTimes Editor, MORGAN NWANGUMA writes that already several unspecific number of lives have been lost to the contagious disease while the authorities are still battling to bring the contagion under control.
Mbutu Community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State has been reportedly hit by a diphtheria outbreak leading to the deaths of several children; this has prompted the immediate closure of schools in the area.
The Chairman of the Local Government, Iheukwumere Alaribe, subsequently confirmed the tragic outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of several children within a single week. In a press statement, he described the situation as deeply concerning and announced urgent measures to contain the spread.
Control measures
As part of an immediate response, Alaribe ordered the closure of all nursery, primary, and secondary schools in Mbutu to prevent further transmission of the disease.
He further revealed that a joint task force comprising health officials from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Department of Disease Prevention and Control under the Imo State Ministry of Health, and the Aboh Mbaise Health Authority has been mobilised. An isolation centre has already been established at the Mbutu Health Centre, with trained medical personnel deployed to quarantine infected or high-risk children.
The LG chairman strongly advised parents to ensure their children are vaccinated without delay, emphasising that immunisation remains the most effective protection against diphtheria and similar infectious diseases.
While appealing for calm, the state government has pledged to provide regular updates and called on the public to cooperate fully as containment and treatment efforts continue.
The exact number of deaths linked to the diphtheria outbreak in Mbutu remains unconfirmed, according to latest reports. However, the Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Iheukwumere Alaribe, acknowledged the situation in a formal statement made available to pressmen.
Aetiology
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which produces toxins that primarily affect the nose and throat, and in some cases, the skin. It spreads easily through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.
In response to the outbreak however, the local government has taken a proactive action in a bid to prevent further escalation of the disease. All schools in Mbutu have been temporarily shut down, and parents have been advised to keep their children at home to reduce the risk of transmission.
“Diphtheria claimed the lives of several children in less than a week,” the chairman said, noting that the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Department of Disease Prevention and Control under the Imo State Ministry of Health, and the Aboh Mbaise Health Authority are working around the clock to manage the crisis.
An isolation facility has been set up at the Mbutu Health Centre, where exposed or symptomatic children are being quarantined, and medical personnel are providing care and support to affected families, according to the chairman’s spokesman, Godspower Dike.
Alaribe strongly urged parents to ensure their children receive vaccinations as a priority. “In light of this outbreak, it is vital that any child who has not yet been vaccinated is brought in for immunisation without delay. Vaccines remain our strongest line of defence against diphtheria and other preventable diseases,” he emphasized.
Dike also called for calm, encouraging residents to cooperate with health authorities as they continue efforts to contain the outbreak. “We ask the public to remain calm and follow the guidance of health officials. Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available,” he added.
This outbreak follows a similar tragedy earlier in May, when two children died of diphtheria in the Tukur-Tukur community of Zaria, Kaduna State.
Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable illness, and health experts continue to stress the importance of routine childhood immunisation in preventing such outbreaks.
According to PUNCH Online, Nigeria has reported 25,812 confirmed cases of diphtheria out of 42,642 suspected cases across all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and 350 local government areas. These confirmed cases span 184 LGAs in 26 states. As of March 9, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 1,319 deaths from diphtheria in its latest situation report, covering the period from epidemiological week 19 of 2022 to week 10 of 2025.
Recall that the outbreak apart from having forced the LG Chairman to shut down all schools – primary and secondary till further notice, it also led to denying the children the yearly May 27 International Children’s Day celebrations.
While reacting to the development in the Aboh Mbaise LGA of Imo State, the former governor of the state, The Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha in a statement, commiserated with the parents of the deceased children and expressed his appreciation to everyone at the different levels, who he acknowledged to be working determinedly to bring the situation under control in addition to raising awareness. The text of his statement titled, “Let’s Save The Children reads in part:
“I have followed actively the ongoing infectious disease outbreak in parts of our state. My heart goes out to the families who have lost their precious children to this disease outbreak. May the Almighty God console you all.
“I appreciate our government officials, traditional rulers, Town Union Executives, religious leaders, indigenous Health Professionals and all leaders of thought at various levels who have worked tirelessly in raising awareness and making useful contacts towards containing this unfortunate disease outbreak. As we’ve been informed, the infectious disease outbreak was caused by diphtheria, a bacterial infection that mainly affects young children. It is completely preventable by administering the full doses of the vaccines to our newborns.
“This outbreak now clearly shows that there are some children in our homes who have never received the DTP vaccine or did not receive the complete three doses of it for full effectiveness, referred to as zero-dose children. Some parents, painfully, have been neglecting this important task of presenting their newborns for childhood immunization according to the NPI schedule. Let’s learn from this unfortunate incident and comply henceforth with all health advisories as they are scientifically proven. The disease is also said to be treatable when identified early and appropriate therapy is instituted. This means that we are not in a hopeless situation.
“I, therefore, urge all citizens not to panic but to cooperate with the health authorities as they work diligently to contain this outbreak. Please, do as the professionals instruct: Let’s follow science even as we pray to Almighty God for divine protection and healing. Let’s avoid unproven remedies that may cause further complications for those affected. We should, as a people, pay greater attention to personal and environmental hygiene, including proper aeration of homes to avoid overcrowding, as prevention is always cheaper, easier and better than a cure. We should also visit health facilities for proper medical attention rather than resorting to self-medication.”
Diphtheria can be treated with medications. But in advanced stages, diphtheria can damage the heart, kidneys and nervous system. Even with treatment, diphtheria can be deadly, especially in children.
Signs and Symptoms
Diphtheria signs and symptoms usually begin 2 to 5 days after a person becomes infected. Signs and symptoms may include:
· A thick, gray membrane covering the throat and tonsils
· A sore throat and hoarseness
· Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck
· Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
· Nasal discharge
· Fever and chills
· Tiredness
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