A deadly diphtheria outbreak has struck Imo State, prompting the state government to shut down schools indefinitely as dozens of children succumb to the highly infectious disease. Health officials and local authorities are scrambling to contain the crisis, which has sparked panic among residents and parents across the region.
According to reports from the Imo State Ministry of Health, the outbreak was first detected in early May in the densely populated communities of Owerri North and Orlu local government areas. Since then, the disease has spread rapidly to at least six other LGAs, affecting hundreds of children and resulting in a growing death toll. As of this report, over 45 children have reportedly died due to complications arising from the infection, with many more hospitalized in critical condition.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals. The disease primarily affects the throat and upper airways and produces a toxin that can lead to severe complications, including breathing difficulties, heart failure, paralysis, and even death if untreated.
Dr. Chinelo Oguike, Director of Disease Surveillance in the Imo State Ministry of Health, confirmed the scale of the outbreak and called it the worst public health emergency the state has faced in recent years. “We are dealing with a very serious situation. Our health facilities are overwhelmed, and our personnel are doing all they can to provide care, but the number of cases is rising rapidly,” she said.
In response to the crisis, Governor Hope Uzodimma ordered the immediate closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state. The decision aims to curb further transmission of the disease, especially among schoolchildren, who appear to be the most vulnerable group in this outbreak.
“We cannot afford to take chances with the lives of our children,” Governor Uzodimma stated during a press briefing in Owerri. “Effective today, all schools in Imo State are to remain closed until further notice. This is a preventive measure to halt the spread of diphtheria and ensure the safety of our pupils and students.”
The closure, while necessary, has sparked concern among parents and education stakeholders, particularly with the academic calendar approaching key examination periods. Nonetheless, many parents have expressed support for the move, prioritizing the health and safety of their children over academic schedules.
“I have three children in school, and I’ve been so worried since we heard about the outbreak,” said Mrs. Ifeoma Ekezie, a parent in Owerri. “It’s heartbreaking to hear of so many children dying. I’m glad the government has taken this step to protect our children.”
The state government has also activated emergency health response teams and partnered with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and international health organizations to contain the spread. Vaccination campaigns, public sensitization, and the distribution of antibiotics are being intensified in affected communities. Temporary isolation wards have been established in key hospitals, including the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri and the Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) in Orlu.
Dr. Oguike urged residents to remain calm but vigilant and advised parents to report any signs of sore throat, difficulty in breathing, or fever in their children to the nearest health facility immediately. “Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. The disease is deadly, but it is also preventable and treatable if caught early,” she emphasized.
The NCDC, in its latest advisory, noted that the re-emergence of diphtheria in Nigeria is linked to declining immunization coverage in several states, including Imo. Many children, particularly in rural areas, have not received the full dose of the pentavalent vaccine, which protects against diphtheria and other childhood diseases.
Public health experts warn that unless there is an urgent and coordinated response to boost immunization rates and improve health surveillance, diphtheria could become endemic in Nigeria, reversing years of progress in disease prevention.
In the meantime, the Imo State Ministry of Education is working on a contingency plan to ensure that students, particularly those preparing for national examinations like WAEC and NECO, do not fall behind academically. Options under consideration include remote learning, take-home assignments, and radio broadcast classes.
“This is a challenging time for all of us,” said Mrs. Gladys Obianuju, a senior education officer. “But our focus is clear — the health of our children comes first. We will do everything possible to keep the learning process going in safe and innovative ways.”
As investigations into the root causes of the outbreak continue, public health officials are also confronting issues related to misinformation and resistance to vaccination. Some community members are reportedly hesitant to receive the diphtheria vaccine due to religious beliefs or mistrust of the health system. The government has launched a statewide awareness campaign aimed at debunking myths and encouraging community leaders to support vaccination efforts.
Meanwhile, grief and mourning hang heavy in the communities worst hit by the outbreak. At the central mortuary in Orlu, rows of small coffins lined up in heartbreaking silence bear witness to the scale of the tragedy.
“I lost my 7-year-old son last week. He was full of life and energy just days before,” said Mr. Nnamdi Okafor, a grieving father in Orlu. “Now, he’s gone. I don’t know how we will recover from this.”
As Imo State grapples with this devastating public health emergency, the need for urgent action, widespread vaccination, and sustained public health investment has never been clearer. The hope remains that with swift intervention and community cooperation, further loss of life can be prevented and normalcy restored.
