Morocco's northern region reports 25 suspected diphtheria cases after child's death

Health authorities in Morocco’s Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region have recorded 25 suspected diphtheria cases across seven provinces and prefectures, including several confirmed infections, following the death of a child in Ksar El Kebir earlier this week, according to official figures obtained by Hespress Arabic.

The figures show that 14 patients have recovered after treatment, while health authorities continue laboratory testing and surveillance to identify infections and prevent further transmission.

Larache province recorded the highest number of suspected cases, with eight, including two confirmed infections, two patients who recovered following treatment and four awaiting laboratory results.

Tetouan reported five suspected cases, including two confirmed infections, one awaiting test results and two patients discharged after treatment. Tangier-Assilah recorded four cases, three of whom received treatment and were discharged, while one remains under investigation.

M’diq-Fnideq also reported four cases, including one confirmed infection and three patients who have recovered. Chefchaouen recorded two suspected cases, while Fahs-Anjra and Ouezzane reported one each. The latter three areas reported no confirmed infections among those cases.

The regional figures come amid the re-emergence of diphtheria in Morocco in 2026, following a prolonged period without reported cases dating back to 1992.

In late September, health authorities identified two family clusters in the Souss-Massa region, affecting children who had either not been vaccinated or had not completed their recommended immunizations.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and nose and spreads through respiratory droplets or close contact. Symptoms typically appear within two to five days and can include fever, sore throat and difficulty swallowing.

Severe infections can obstruct breathing, while toxins produced by the bacteria may damage the heart, nerves and kidneys.

Morocco’s national immunization programme includes primary diphtheria vaccine doses at two, three and four months, followed by boosters at 18 months and five years.

Health authorities are maintaining surveillance, laboratory testing, isolation and treatment procedures, alongside contact tracing to limit transmission, particularly within households and schools.

The Health Ministry has previously warned about diphtheria’s resurgence internationally amid declining vaccination coverage and misinformation about vaccines.