A deep dive into the resurgence of a forgotten disease
Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Just the name conjures images from medical textbooks, a relic of a bygone era of rampant infectious disease. This bacterium, armed with its insidious toxin, causes diphtheria, a respiratory infection marked by a truly horrifying symptom: a thick, grayish membrane forming in the throat, obstructing breathing. Add to that a swollen neck, the infamous “bull neck,” fever, and debilitating fatigue, and you have a disease far removed from a simple sore throat. Diphtheria spreads with unsettling ease through coughs, sneezes, direct contact, and even contaminated surfaces. In our interconnected world, such a highly contagious disease can quickly find new footholds. While vaccination has relegated diphtheria to the fringes in many developed nations, recent events place Algeria squarely in the crosshairs of a resurgent threat.
Algeria’s Diphtheria Diaries: From Endemic to Eradicated (and Back?!)
Imagine a time when diphtheria was as commonplace as the common cold is today. In Algeria, during the mid-20th century, this was the reality. Hundreds of cases cropped up annually, tracing a predictable seasonal pattern. It was a grim reality, an accepted part of life, a shadow that loomed over childhood. Then came the game-changer: widespread vaccination campaigns. The 1990s marked a turning point. Algeria, through concerted public health efforts, managed to eliminate diphtheria. Decades passed, seemingly confirming that this scourge was a thing of the past. The nation rested, perhaps too comfortably, on its laurels. The quiet, however, was merely the prelude to a storm.
The Alarm Bells Are Ringing: Recent Outbreaks and Real-Life Tragedies
The first tremor arrived in Tamanrasset in 2023. Eighty cases, ten lives lost, the majority being unvaccinated foreign nationals. This was not just a statistic; it was a warning, a crack in the dam. September 2024 saw the dam burst. Southern wilayas like In Guezzam and Bordj Badji Mokhtar became epicenters of a major outbreak, with 115 cases and a staggering 28 deaths reported. Healthcare systems, already strained, buckled under the pressure. Then, most recently, October 2025 brought the grim news from Skikda: five confirmed cases, including the heartbreaking deaths of a 25-year-old foreign man and a 12-year-old Algerian girl, both unvaccinated. The disease had returned to the east after decades of absence, a chilling reminder of its potential reach.
Unpacking the “Why”: A Perfect Storm of Factors
What confluence of events allowed this “ghost of the past” to resurface? The most glaring culprit is declining vaccination rates. Complacency breeds vulnerability, creating “immunity gaps” and eroding the protective shield of herd immunity. Add to this the insidious influence of misinformation. The spread of false narratives and doubts about vaccine safety fuels hesitancy, particularly among parents making choices for their children. The movement of populations further complicates the picture. Displaced persons, often from conflict zones like Mali and Niger, frequently have low vaccination coverage, becoming unwitting vectors of transmission. Furthermore, healthcare resources in Algeria’s southern regions are often stretched thin, lacking adequate staffing, equipment, and, critically, access to diphtheria antitoxin (DAT). Overcrowding and inadequate sanitation provide fertile ground for the bacteria to spread with ease.
The Finger-Pointing and Fierce Debates: Controversies in the Crisis
The resurgence of diphtheria has not been without its controversies. Accusations have been leveled against the central government for a perceived slow response, particularly during the devastating 2024 outbreaks in the south. Some independent reports suggest a much higher death toll than officially acknowledged, fueling claims of a “media blackout” on the epidemic. Fingers have also been pointed at refugees, with some outlets accused of unfairly blaming them for the outbreaks. The crisis has also shone a harsh light on the long-standing marginalization of Algeria’s southern regions. Reports indicate a lack of basic testing capacity, forcing samples to be transported over 2,300 km for analysis. This raises uncomfortable questions about equitable access to healthcare across the nation.
Fighting Back: What’s Being Done and What’s Next
In the face of this resurgence, emergency measures have been activated. Crisis units have been mobilized, epidemiological investigations are underway, and contact tracing is in full swing. Vaccination campaigns are being rolled out with urgency. In Skikda, for example, over 500 people were vaccinated within a mere 48 hours. The focus is on ensuring children complete their vaccination schedules and adults receive booster shots every 10 years. Public health campaigns are crucial to remind everyone of the importance of vaccination and prompt medical attention for suspected cases. Immediate administration of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT), if available, and antibiotics are critical for treatment. However, significant hurdles remain. Logistical challenges in ensuring adequate vaccine and DAT supply, maintaining public vigilance, and strengthening fragile health systems are ongoing concerns. The global resurgence of diphtheria means Algeria is not alone in this fight.
The Ultimate Takeaway: Vaccinate, Vaccinate, Vaccinate!
Diphtheria is a “silent threat,” capable of causing rapid deterioration and death, especially if left untreated. Vaccination is not just a personal choice; it is a crucial act of community responsibility. By staying up-to-date on vaccinations, we protect ourselves, our families, and the most vulnerable members of our society. Let us work together to ensure that diphtheria returns to the history books, not our hospitals. Let’s choose prevention over panic, vigilance over complacency, and health over fear. The time to act is now.
