NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania / ISTANBUL 

Mauritania on Monday reported 15 deaths and 202 infections from an outbreak of diphtheria in the country’s southeast.

A Health Ministry statement said the infections were recorded in the regions of Hodh Ech Chargui, Hodh El Gharbi, and Assaba. The deaths include seven in Assaba and eight in Hodh El Gharbi.

The ministry said 41 patients remain hospitalized for medical attention, while the remaining cases have recovered.

The ministry, however, said that the situation remains “under control,” adding that rapid response teams have been deployed to the worst-hit areas, and epidemiological surveillance has been strengthened at border points and health centers.

Authorities recommended postponing the start of the school year in affected areas, as the outbreak coincides with the opening of the academic year on Monday.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the throat and tonsils. It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which produces toxins that can lead to severe illness. Skin infections are a less common form of the disease, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Mauritania recorded dozens of diphtheria cases in 2023 and 2024, particularly in Hodh Ech Chargui and Gorgol regions.