A total of 25 suspected diphtheria cases have been reported in Morocco's Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma region, spread across seven of the eight provinces and prefectures. The cases are distributed as follows: eight in Larache, including two confirmed cases; five in Tétouan, with two confirmed; four in Tanger-Assilah; and four in M'diq-Fnideq, with one confirmed. Additionally, there are suspected cases in Chefchaouen, Fahs-Anjra, and Ouezzane.
According to official data, 14 patients have recovered, and one child from Ksar El Kebir died earlier in the week. The exact breakdown of cases by locality does not match the total number of cases announced, and the consolidated number of confirmed cases has not been released. The diphtheria outbreak in Morocco had not been reported since 1992 until its reappearance in late September in the Souss-Massa region.
The reemergence of diphtheria in Morocco has raised concerns about vaccination coverage. The national immunization program includes three doses administered at two, three, and four months, followed by booster shots at 18 months and five years. Health professionals have linked the resurgence of the disease to a decline in vaccination coverage, particularly with regards to missed booster shots.
The Moroccan health department has confirmed 15 national cases as of October 14, with cases concentrated in the Casablanca-Settat and Souss-Massa regions. Two children died in Salé's Sidi Abdellah neighborhood. The health authorities are following the national protocol, which focuses on early diagnosis, medical isolation, adapted treatment, and identification of contact persons, especially within families and schools.
According to Jawad Hamou, head of the transmissible diseases division, the health condition of patients is stable, and the cases do not indicate widespread propagation. The US Embassy issued a health alert on October 16 for its citizens after the health department reported outbreaks since September 28.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract that is preventable by vaccination and can be fatal if left untreated. The disease primarily affects children who are not vaccinated or have not received all the required doses. No national catch-up campaign has been announced yet to address the vaccination gap.
The health authorities are working to contain the outbreak, and the situation is being closely monitored. The program aims to ensure that all children receive the necessary vaccinations to prevent the spread of the disease.
Key points
- 25 suspected diphtheria cases reported in Morocco's Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma region.
- The disease had not been reported in Morocco since 1992.
- Health professionals link the resurgence to a decline in vaccination coverage.
