Health authorities in Morocco's Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region have recorded 25 suspected diphtheria cases, with several confirmed infections, distributed across seven provinces. The news, reported by Hespress EN, follows the death of a child in Ksar El Kebir earlier this week. Fourteen patients have already recovered, while surveillance continues to prevent further spread.

Larache province has the highest number with eight suspected cases, including two confirmed and four awaiting results. Tetouan accounts for five cases, two of which are confirmed. Tangier-Assilah and M’diq-Fnideq have each reported four cases. Chefchaouen, Fahs-Anjra, and Ouezzane have collectively registered four suspected cases, with no direct confirmations in these last three areas.

This resurgence marks the reappearance of diphtheria in Morocco in 2026, after an absence since 1992. Already in late September, outbreaks had been identified in the Souss-Massa region, involving children with incomplete vaccinations. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection affecting the throat and nose, transmitted via respiratory droplets; symptoms can include fever, sore throat, and breathing difficulties.

Morocco's national immunization program provides doses at two, three, four months, and subsequent boosters. Health authorities maintain strict surveillance, testing, and isolation procedures. The Ministry of Health had previously warned about the global risk of a diphtheria resurgence, linked to declining vaccination coverage and misinformation.