Morocco's Ministry of Health has reported two limited family clusters of diphtheria in the Souss-Massa region. Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection identified as serious by health institutions. The infection, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.
The ministry confirmed one case of diphtheria through tests, while eight other cases are under investigation, including two deaths. The children concerned had either not been vaccinated or had not completed their vaccination doses. The ministry urged families to check their children's vaccination records and complete any outstanding doses.
The symptoms of diphtheria include sore throat and mild-to-high fever, swollen glands or lymph nodes in the neck, and a thick, gray or white coating in the back of the throat that can block breathing. Additional symptoms are weakness, fatigue, and difficulty swallowing. Complications caused by the disease include airway obstruction, heart muscle inflammation, and nerve damage that could lead to paralysis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned against rising diphtheria outbreaks across the African region last year, citing serious gaps in routine immunization coverage. According to the WHO, those who are not immunized or under-immunized are at risk of the disease. Diphtheria can be fatal in around 30% of cases for unvaccinated individuals or those without proper immunization.
In 2025, an estimated 85% of infants worldwide received the recommended three doses of diphtheria-containing vaccine, leaving 15% with no or incomplete coverage. There is wide coverage variation between and within countries. Only 83 countries have all three WHO-recommended diphtheria toxoid-containing booster doses in their national immunization programmes.
The ministry advised families to visit the nearest health facility if suspected symptoms appear. The organization also noted that children are at higher risk of dying from diphtheria. The Moroccan Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation and investigate the cases.
The reported cases in Souss-Massa highlight the importance of vaccination and immunization in preventing the spread of diphtheria. The Moroccan Ministry of Health is working to contain the outbreak and prevent further cases.
Key points
- The Moroccan Ministry of Health reported two family clusters of diphtheria in Souss-Massa, with one confirmed case and eight others under investigation.
- The World Health Organization warned of rising diphtheria outbreaks in the African region due to gaps in routine immunization coverage.
- Diphtheria can be fatal in around 30% of cases for unvaccinated individuals or those without proper immunization.
