Diphtheria in the Souss-Massa region is under reinforced epidemiological surveillance. On Monday 28 September, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection reported two limited family clusters in the region. The authorities have confirmed one case through PCR testing. At the same time, health teams are examining eight additional suspected situations, including two deaths.
The first cluster concerns the prefecture of Agadir Ida-Outanane. The second is located in the province of Chtouka Aït Baha. For now, health authorities describe a contained situation and urge residents not to give in to panic.
Diphtheria in Souss-Massa: two family clusters under surveillance
At this stage, the two clusters remain limited to the families concerned.
The Souss-Massa territorial health group has confirmed one case of diphtheria through PCR analysis. Medical teams are currently ensuring the patient’s follow-up and care.
In parallel, the authorities are analysing eight other suspected situations. The laboratory results do not yet allow these cases to be definitively confirmed.
This distinction is crucial: for now, health authorities are not reporting any widespread transmission of diphtheria in the region.
Two deaths among the investigated cases
Two children from the same siblings have died. According to the territorial health group, both children were brought to Mokhtar Soussi Hospital in Biougra already deceased.
Their third brother, from the same household, is currently under medical observation. Health teams are closely monitoring his condition.
These two deaths are among the eight situations currently under investigation. It is therefore important to distinguish them from the single case that PCR testing has so far confirmed biologically.
Vaccination at the heart of the investigations
The authorities are also reviewing the vaccination status of the children concerned.
According to the Ministry of Health, some of the children involved had not received the diphtheria vaccine, or had not completed the full recommended schedule. This information is one of the factors being taken into account by health teams.
In this context, the authorities are stepping up awareness campaigns and vaccination activities in the affected areas.
Diphtheria in Souss: health response system activated
As soon as the clusters were identified, rapid epidemiological response teams activated the national response protocol.
In practice, teams are actively searching for any additional suspected cases. They are also identifying people who have been in contact with the affected patients and ensuring their follow-up.
This system is designed to quickly detect any new situation and limit the risk of transmission.
Authorities reiterate the importance of vaccination
In light of this situation, the Ministry of Health is reminding the public of the importance of complying with the national vaccination schedule.
Parents are encouraged to check their children’s vaccination booklets. In case of delay or missing doses, they can visit a local health facility to find out what steps to take.
Diphtheria is an infection that can be prevented through vaccination. The authorities therefore stress the need to maintain high vaccination coverage.
A closely monitored situation in Souss-Massa
At this stage, diphtheria in Souss-Massa remains confined to the two family clusters reported by health authorities.
One case has been confirmed by laboratory tests. Eight other situations are still under investigation, including two deaths.
Health teams continue to search for possible cases, monitor contacts and carry out vaccination and awareness-raising operations in the affected areas.
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