Morocco reports 41 cases of measles in prisons

The infections include 23 cases in the Tangier 2 local prison, involving two employees, the DGAPR said in a press release, adding that additional cases in the Mohammedia local prison (7 cases), the Ain Bourja local prison (5 cases) and were registered in the Kenitra central prison (2 cases) and the local Bourkaiz prison in Fes (2 cases). Isolated cases were reported in the local prisons of Tetouan and El Kelaâ des Sraghna.

In light of the outbreak, DGAPR urged families and authorized visitors to adhere to preventative measures, including avoiding visits if symptoms occur, to reduce the risk of further transmission within prison facilities.

“The DGAPR has implemented all the necessary preventive and therapeutic measures described in the health protocol developed by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection,” the statement said, noting that these measures were activated immediately after new arrivals in the affected areas facilities symptoms were detected.

Suspected cases have been quarantined for laboratory tests and treatment is being carried out in accordance with the protocol, the DGAPR added. The delegation also announced the launch of a voluntary vaccination campaign for inmates and staff, carried out by medical teams from the Ministry of Health.

To improve monitoring and response, the DGAPR issued a circular to all correctional facilities on January 3. The directive requires immediate preventive measures and close coordination with the Ministry of Health to combat any new cases identified among inmates, staff or visitors.