Six children have died in Mbutu, Imo State, due to a mysterious disease prompting school closures.
Six children have died following an outbreak of a strange disease in the Mbutu community, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State. The children, aged between 1 and 6 years, succumbed to the illness within less than seven days.
In response, Barr. Iheukwumere Henry Alaribe, Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, ordered the temporary closure of all nursery, primary, and secondary schools in Mbutu for seven days to curb the spread of the disease. He also announced that children from Mbutu would not attend the upcoming Children’s Celebration on May 27 as a precaution.
The World Health Organization (WHO), alongside the Imo State Ministry of Health and local health staff, are investigating the outbreak. Parents are urged to vaccinate their children promptly.
Mayor Dr. Leo Nwaigwe advised residents not to panic:
“Ndi Mbutu, please there is no need to panic about this trending child disease in Mbutu… Let’s reduce movement of children from one village to another. Do not panic, with actions and prayers the situation will be under control.”