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Rabat – Health authorities in Morocco’s Beni Mellal-Khénifra region have reported 48 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in Azilal province during December 2025, following the use of heating devices during cold weather.
The regional director of health and social protection, Kamal El Yensli, told SNRT News all the cases occurred in Azilal, which has experienced severe cold temperatures in recent days.
Most of the cases were moderate and did not require hospitalization or admission to intensive care units. No deaths were reported among the affected individuals.
El Yensli said the regional health department had already carried out an awareness campaign to warn residents about the dangers of unsafe heating practices. The campaign focused on proper use of water heaters and home heating devices.
Carbon monoxide poisoning cases increase every year during winter due to the misuse of heating equipment that relies on burning organic materials such as butane gas, coal, wood, and gasoline.
Because it does not cause immediate irritation, poisoning is sometimes diagnosed only at advanced and dangerous stages. Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in red blood cells, leading to internal suffocation.
This can disrupt the function of vital organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, and kidneys, and may cause death within minutes if medical help is not provided quickly.
The region has experienced a sharp drop in temperatures this winter, with heavy rain and snowfall. Temperatures drop up to -3 degrees Celsius in some areas, prompting locals to use traditional heating methods, which increase the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning.
