A mysterious disease has struck Mbutu Community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, resulting in the deaths of six young pupils and prompting local authorities to close all public and private schools for seven days.
The affected community, which includes four autonomous towns—Mbutu Ancient Kingdom, Mbutu Nweorie, Mbutu Ukwu, and Nwenkwo—is gripped by fear as the illness continues to spread rapidly.
LGA Chairman Iheukwumere Henry Alaribe told reporters that the school closure was a necessary measure to curb the outbreak and protect children’s lives. He revealed that six children, aged between one and six years, have died within the past week.
In a press statement, Alaribe confirmed that the World Health Organization (WHO), the State Ministry of Health’s Department of Disease Prevention and Control, and local health officials are actively investigating the cause of the strange illness.
The council is working closely with the state government and other relevant agencies to contain the outbreak and safeguard the health of residents.
The chairman urged parents who have not vaccinated their children to do so immediately, stressing that immunization is critical to preventing further spread.
Vaccinations are essential for protecting our children and halting this disease,” the statement emphasized.
Alaribe called on residents to stay calm and cooperate with medical authorities as efforts intensify to bring the situation under control.
