Mbutu, Imo State – Six children have died following the outbreak of a mysterious disease in the Mbutu community, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
In response, the Executive Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Barr. Iheukwumere Henry Alaribe, has ordered the immediate closure of all nursery, primary, and secondary schools in Mbutu for seven days to curb the spread of the illness.
This was announced in a statement released by the council chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Dike Godspower, who revealed that the disease has claimed the lives of children aged between one and six years in less than a week.
“As a precautionary measure, children from Mbutu will not participate in the Children’s Day celebration scheduled for May 27, 2025,” the statement added.
Health experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), Imo State Ministry of Health’s Department of Disease Prevention and Control, and local medical teams are currently investigating the outbreak and working on containment strategies.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Mbutu Community, Dr. Leo Nwaigwe, has urged residents to remain calm. He directed families with affected children to submit their names to the matron at Mbutu Health Centre for proper documentation and medical attention.
Dr. Nwaigwe assured that the Imo State Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Division is expected to visit the community health center for on-the-spot assessment and intervention.
“Let’s reduce the movement of children from one village to another. Do not panic. With swift action and prayers, we believe the situation will be brought under control,” he stated.
Parents are also being advised to ensure their children are vaccinated to help prevent the spread of the disease.
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