Skikda Province Reports One Death, Rising Cases in Diphtheria Outbreak
Skikda, Algeria - October 17, 2025 - Health officials in the Skikda province of Algeria have confirmed one death and a growing number of complicated cases linked to a diphtheria outbreak, prompting a large-scale vaccination campaign targeting adults and children. The fatality, reported within the last week, underscores the resurgence of the highly contagious bacterial infection despite decades of successful vaccination programs.
The outbreak, concentrated in the communes of Skikda and Felfela, has raised concerns about potential wider spread and the vulnerability of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated populations. Diphtheria, preventable through immunization, can cause severe respiratory complications, heart failure, and neurological damage. The Directorate of Health and Population is urging residents to seek booster doses and ensure children are up-to-date on their vaccinations as outlined in the national expanded program.
Health authorities emphasize vaccination remains “considered the most effective method of prevention” against diphtheria, both for individual protection and community health. The current campaign aims to rapidly increase immunity levels and contain the outbreak before it escalates further. Citizens are encouraged to visit designated vaccination centers to receive the necessary doses.
Alongside the diphtheria response, authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding a recent bus tragedy in Oued El Harrach, with new revelations emerging about the incident. residents can find information on online vaccination appointments at https://www.tsa-algerie.com/inscription-a-la-vaccination-anti-covid-prenez-rendez-vous-en-ligne/. Further details on the Oued El Harrach bus drama are available at https://www.tsa-algerie.com/algerie-revelations-glacantes-sur-le-drame-du-bus-de-oued-el-harrach/.
