The outbreak, which began less than a week ago, has already resulted in multiple fatalities, according to a report by Daily Trust.
Caused by a toxin produced by corynebacterium, diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease covered by one of the vaccines provided routinely through a childhood immunisation schedule.
The bacterial infection usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.
Confirming the development, the chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Iheukwumere Henry Alaribe, in a statement dated Monday, May 26, announced the temporary closure of schools to prevent further spread of the disease.
He said parents had been directed to keep their children indoors to reduce the risk of exposure.
Alaribe stated that the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Department of Disease Prevention and Control in the Imo State Ministry of Health, and health workers from the LGA were working together to investigate the outbreak and manage the situation.
He added that an isolation centre had been established at Mbutu Health Centre, where affected children were being quarantined.
He urged parents to vaccinate their children against diphtheria.
“In light of this outbreak, 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,” the chairman stated.
The statement further appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with relevant authorities as efforts were on to control the outbreak.
The outbreak in Imo came amid growing national concerns over diphtheria in Nigeria. The House of Representatives, during a plenary session on March 12, had urged the Federal Government to launch a nationwide diphtheria vaccination campaign after the death of a 12-year-old student at King’s College, Lagos.
The Lagos State Government had confirmed that 14 other students were hospitalised, out of which 12 responded well to antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin therapy.
Reacting to the outbreak, lawmakers highlighted the rising toll of the disease, with over 24,000 confirmed cases and more than 1,200 deaths across multiple states since 2022, warning that without urgent intervention, more schools could face similar outbreaks.
Beyond calling for mass vaccination, the lawmakers also demanded an urgent review of health and safety measures in federal unity colleges.
They emphasised the need for improved infection prevention strategies and a stronger emergency response framework to ensure student safety.
Additionally, they urged relevant agencies to step up public awareness campaigns to educate parents and school authorities about the risks and prevention of diphtheria.