ALGER – The Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday that all emergency measures have been taken to prevent the spread of diphtheria, which has appeared in certain regions bordering Sahel countries.
“Following the appearance of diphtheria cases in the southern wilayas (regions bordering Sahel countries), local health authorities have taken all necessary emergency measures to prevent the spread of the disease. This includes the management of all cases at healthcare facilities, the establishment of a crisis cell to monitor the epidemiological situation, and the reinforcement of surveillance with the conduct of investigations on cases,” stated a ministry’s press release.
“All necessary resources (medications, diphtheria antitoxin serum, vaccines, sampling equipment, etc.) have been made available to healthcare and vaccination teams, and large-scale awareness and vaccination campaigns have been launched, targeting the most affected neighborhoods and contacts of the cases,” the same source emphasized.
The ministry reported “16 confirmed cases” so far, stating that “most of the recorded cases are unvaccinated foreign nationals from neighboring countries residing in the outskirts of the city of Tamanrasset.”
“The vaccination campaign has reached more than 10,100 people,” according to the statement.
“At present, the situation is stable” and “no new cases have been registered for several days,” reassured the ministry, while emphasizing that “vigilance remains necessary.”
Diphtheria, caused by a bacterial infection, is primarily transmitted through direct contact or respiratory droplets. It can be prevented through vaccination.