Cameroon: Officials report elevated measles activity across multiple regions through July

Event

Health officials continue to report a surge in measles cases, with more than 3,700 suspected cases, including 1,387 confirmed cases, reported across multiple regions between Jan. 1-July 3. This is nearly triple the 1,429 cases reported over a similar period in 2021. The Far-North (367 cases) is the most affected region, followed by the Centre region (294 cases), Littoral (179 cases), South region (178 cases), and South-West region (21 cases). This represents the most complete data available as of July 26.

Context

Cameroonian health officials reported 1,095 measles cases in 2021, only 17 cases in 2020, and 1,170 cases in 2019.

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease spread through airborne droplets created when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Infected individuals can also expose people around them by contaminating surfaces with secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat. Symptoms of measles typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure, but patients become contagious up to five days before symptoms appear. Such symptoms generally include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. Serious complications - including pneumonia - can occur, especially in children younger than five years old, adults older than 20 years old, and people whose immune systems are weakened by other acute or chronic health conditions.

Advice

Visit a doctor to ensure vaccination against measles or immunity through previous infection. Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. If you suspect a measles infection, call ahead before visiting a doctor to prevent the spread of the disease at clinics or hospitals.