Morocco has recorded approximately 30 confirmed diphtheria cases across several regions, but infections remain isolated and do not constitute an outbreak, a senior Health Ministry official said, linking the disease’s resurgence to declining childhood vaccination coverage.
Jawad Hammou, head of the Infectious Diseases Division at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection’s Directorate of Epidemiology and Disease Control, told Hespress that confirmed infections had been detected in several regions, including Souss-Massa, Casablanca-Settat and Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, alongside isolated cases in the Oriental region.
The figures come amid growing concern following recent diphtheria-related deaths and suspected infections, particularly in northern Morocco, where health authorities reported 25 suspected cases across seven provinces and prefectures in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region.
Hammou stressed that suspected cases should not be confused with confirmed infections, as expanded surveillance inevitably identifies patients whose symptoms may resemble diphtheria but whose laboratory results ultimately rule out the disease.
“Not every suspected diphtheria case is a confirmed case,” he said, explaining that diagnosis requires biological testing of samples collected from patients.
The ministry has established a nationwide protocol covering public and private healthcare facilities as well as military medical services, requiring suspected cases to be identified, tested and managed according to standardized procedures.
Hammou attributed the reappearance of the disease partly to declining participation in Morocco’s national childhood immunization programme, warning that vaccination gaps weaken protection beyond individual children.
He said the effects extend to families, schools and workplaces as community immunity declines, increasing the risk of transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases.
The official identified disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and misinformation circulating on social media among the factors contributing to reduced vaccination uptake.
He noted that diphtheria has also reappeared in several countries, citing France, Mauritania, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, alongside cases in Asia.
Diphtheria is a potentially fatal bacterial infection affecting the throat and respiratory system. Vaccination remains the principal means of prevention, while early diagnosis and treatment are essential to limiting complications.
Despite the confirmed infections, Hammou maintained that Morocco’s current cases remain geographically dispersed, with no identified epidemic clusters.
He urged continued surveillance, early diagnosis and stronger participation in routine childhood vaccination to prevent further transmission.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.