NO fewer than six children between the ages of one to six have reportedly died of an outbreak of a strange disease in Mbutu Community in Aboh Mbaise Council Area of Imo State.
The Executive Chairman of the Council, Barr. Henry Alaribe, who made the disclosure in a press statement signed by his spokesman, Dike Godspower on Tuesday, said that there are new recorded cases, though not yet confirmed.
Alaribe said that to forestall further spread of the disease and ensure the safety of other children, all schools in the area have been temporarily closed, while the May 27 Children’s Day celebration in the area has also been suspended.
The council Chairman advised parents who were yet to vaccinate their children to do so without delay and urged the indigenes and residents of the area to remain calm and cooperate with the relevant authorities toward containing this outbreak.
Giving details on further actions taken over the outbreak, Alaribe told The Guardian that he has forwarded the details of victims, including their names, ages, and contacts of their parents, to the state governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma.
He disclosed that health centers in the area have been designated to serve as isolation centers for suspected carriers of the disease, adding that staff of WHO have arrived in the area to offer their assistance towards containing the outbreak.
“Just this morning, we learnt of another death, though we are yet to confirm that but we are not leaving any stone unturned to curb the outbreak and ensure the safety of our children. As we speak, WHO is arriving our area to also help out.”
“Additionally, children from Mbutu will not participate in the Children’s Celebration scheduled for tomorrow, May 27, 2025, as a precautionary measure.
“The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Disease Prevention and Control in the Imo State Ministry of Health, along with health staff from Aboh Mbaise, are actively working to investigate and stop the spread of this unusual disease. Plans are underway to collaborate with the State government and relevant agencies to contain the outbreak and ensure the well-being of our citizens.
“In light of this outbreak, parents who have not yet vaccinated their children are strongly advised to do so without delay. Vaccinations are essential for preventing the spread of diseases and protecting our children’s health.”
This newspaper also gathered that the situation has thrown the entire people of Mbutu Community into serious anxiety as many are hurriedly taking their children and wards out of the community for safety.
