Morocco's Ministry of Health and Social Protection announced on September 28, 2026, that two limited family outbreaks of diphtheria had been detected in the prefecture of Agadir Ida-Outanane and the province of Chtouka Aït Baha, in the Souss-Massa region. The ministry stated that the outbreaks were identified through the national epidemiological surveillance system.
According to the ministry, one case has been confirmed in a laboratory, while eight other cases, including two deaths, are currently under investigation and analysis for laboratory confirmation. The children affected by these outbreaks had either never been vaccinated against the disease or had not received all the recommended doses of vaccination.
The ministry reported that an epidemiological response protocol was activated immediately after the detection of these cases. The rapid epidemiological intervention teams from the Souss-Massa Territorial Health Group have initiated an epidemiological investigation and active research to detect any other potential cases.
The intervention teams are identifying individuals who have been in contact with the patients and monitoring them, while also providing preventive antibiotic treatment and vaccination in accordance with current health measures. Diphtheria is a contagious disease primarily spread through respiratory droplets and can lead to severe complications in some cases.
The ministry emphasized that vaccination, with administration of all recommended doses and boosters, remains the primary means of prevention. In case of symptoms that may be related to the disease, the ministry advises seeking immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
The ministry also urges parents and guardians to check their children's vaccination records, catch up on any missed doses, and adhere to the national vaccination schedule. This detection occurs in an international context marked by the reappearance of diphtheria in several countries in recent years, alongside challenges related to declining vaccination coverage and the spread of misinformation about vaccines.
The Moroccan health authorities are taking measures to contain the outbreaks and prevent further spread of the disease. The situation is being closely monitored, and the public is being advised to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their children from diphtheria.
Key points
- Two limited family outbreaks of diphtheria have been detected in Morocco's Souss-Massa region.
- The outbreaks were identified in the prefecture of Agadir Ida-Outanane and the province of Chtouka Aït Baha.
- The Moroccan health authorities have activated an epidemiological response protocol to contain the outbreaks and prevent further spread of the disease.
