Girl’s death from diphtheria in Youssoufia province triggers widespread health alert

The province of Youssoufia is on high alert among health and local authorities following the death of a 12-year-old girl in Douar Bashta Naïma (Sidi Chiker commune) due to diphtheria. Available data indicates the victim was not vaccinated against this dangerous bacterial disease, which led to a rapid deterioration in her health.

The child was rushed to the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech in an attempt to save her life, but she passed away due to infection complications despite urgent medical intervention.

Urgent measures and strict epidemiological protocol

Following the confirmation of this case, regional authorities heightened vigilance. The epidemiological response protocol was activated to contain any potential spread. Measures on the ground include active case searching and identifying the deceased girl’s direct contacts.

Over 70 people who had contact with the child have undergone medical examinations and received preventive treatment. Furthermore, a catch-up vaccination campaign has been launched across the province to strengthen collective immunity.

Field action and national context

The Governor of Youssoufia, accompanied by local health officials, visited the site to coordinate preventive efforts.

This incident coincides with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection’s announcement on September 28 regarding two limited diphtheria clusters in the Agadir-Ida-Outanane and Chtouka-Ait Baha regions, which resulted in two deaths. The Ministry noted that some children were unvaccinated or had incomplete vaccination records.

What is diphtheria and how to prevent it?

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection spread primarily through respiratory droplets. It targets the upper respiratory system, potentially causing severe cardiac and neurological complications.

The Ministry of Health calls on all parents to verify their children’s vaccination records and seek immediate medical care if suspicious symptoms appear, while avoiding close contact with sick individuals until a medical assessment is conducted.