Mpox Cases Surge in Cameroon: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

The virus has been detected in several towns within the South West Region, including Mbongo, Buea, and Limbe, as well as in the North West Region's Njikwa and Bamenda districts.

The outbreak in Cameroon follows similar incidents in other Central African countries since 2022. In May 2023, the country recorded 10 confirmed cases in the Foe Bakundu and Kumba Health districts in the South West Region. The ongoing spread of the virus has led to renewed efforts to contain the situation.

In response, the government, led by Public Health Minister Manaouda Malachie, has intensified epidemiological surveillance in high-risk areas, particularly in regions bordering the Central African Republic (CAR). The Ministry has also launched investigations, active case searches, and community awareness campaigns to curb the spread of the virus.

**What is Mpox?**

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, first identified in monkeys in Denmark in 1958 and reported in humans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1970. The disease can cause a painful rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other symptoms. While most people recover fully, some cases can become severe.

**Transmission Routes:**

Mpox spreads through both animal-to-human and person-to-person transmission. Key transmission methods include:

- **Person-to-person:** Face-to-face contact (talking, breathing), skin-to-skin contact (touching, sex), respiratory droplets, and mouth-to-skin contact (kissing, oral sex).
- **Animal-to-human:** Through bites, scratches, or contact during hunting, handling, cooking, or eating infected animals.

The virus can also spread through contaminated objects like clothing, bedding, and even sharp objects.

**Symptoms of Mpox:**

- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Low energy
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Painful rash

**Preventive Measures:**

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises the following precautions to prevent the spread of Mpox:

1. **Isolation:** Stay home and isolate yourself if possible.
2. **Hygiene:** Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
3. **Mask and Lesion Care:** Wear a mask and cover skin lesions when around others.
4. **Disinfection:** Regularly disinfect shared spaces and avoid touching common items.
5. **Symptom Management:** Use saltwater rinses for mouth sores, take warm baths for body sores, and use pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
6. **Avoidance of Sores:** Do not burst blisters, scratch sores, or shave areas with sores until fully healed.

With the resurgence of Mpox in Cameroon and neighboring regions, it is crucial to adhere to these preventive measures to minimize the spread and protect vulnerable populations. The government's ongoing efforts, along with community cooperation, are essential in combating this public health challenge.