Morocco faces diphtheria resurgence with multiple cases and deaths

Morocco is experiencing a resurgence of diphtheria, a bacterial disease that had not been reported in the country since 1992. Health authorities have identified several clusters, including family outbreaks in the Souss-Massa region affecting unvaccinated children. Recent reports indicate 25 suspected cases in the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, spanning seven provinces, and the death of a child in Ksar El Kebir.

In Salé, two children from the same family reportedly died in the Sidi Abdellah area, prompting health interventions such as contact tracing and preventative treatment. Nationally, the Ministry of Health previously confirmed 15 cases concentrated in the Casablanca-Settat and Souss-Massa regions.

In response, security services in Rabat have launched a large-scale vaccination campaign for employees to mitigate risks in high-contact professional environments. Health officials emphasize that the disease, which spreads through respiratory droplets, can cause severe complications including heart and nervous system damage. Experts urge families to ensure children receive all recommended booster doses, as early childhood vaccinations alone may not provide lifelong protection.