Diphtheria outbreak in Imo State: schools closed and several dead

A diphtheria outbreak in Mbutu Community, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, has caused the death of several children and forced the closure of all schools in the area. According to the Daily Trust, the exact number of fatalities remains unconfirmed. On May 26, the Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Iheukwumere Alaribe, issued a statement acknowledging the outbreak and illustrating the measures taken by the government to curb it, including the closure of schools and the creation of a health centre to quarantine children exposed to the disease. Alaribe also urged parents to get their children vaccinated.
Diphtheria is a highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and primarily affects the nose and throat. It is a vaccine-preventable disease. According to data released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Nigeria has recorded over 25,000 confirmed cases this year, with 1319 deaths.