Cameroon restricts movement with Equatorial Guinea, after haemorrhage fever strikes border villages

By Tata Mbunwe

Local authorities in Cameroon’s South Region have restricted movement with Equatorial Guinea, after several people reportedly died of haemorrhage fever in some border villages on the Equatorial Guinean side.

Public Health Minister Manaouda Malachi noted in a release on Friday, February 10, about a “high risk of importation of the disease,” if across-the-border movements continue between both countries.

He said several people died of haemorrhage fever in some villages of Kie Ntem Province in Equatorial Guinea, which borders Kye-Ossi and Olamze in Cameroon’s South Region.

“In view of the high risk of importation of this disease and in order to detect and respond to any cases at an early stage, the local administrative authorities have taken measures including restricting movements at the Cameroon -Equatorial Guinea border,” read a release signed by Dr Malachi on Friday.

He said MINSANTE is collaborating with the WHO and Atlanta CDC to investigate possible cases in the risk areas, as well as monitor developments relating to the disease.

According to the World Health Organisation haemorrhagic fevers are a wide range viral diseases that manifest primarily through muscle and joint pains, fever, internal bleeding.

They are sometimes severe and dangerous. In this category are illnesses like yellow fever, dengue fever, ebola, lassa fever, among others.

The Ministry of Public Health said people should not consider haemorrhage fever as anything mystical, but should report any suspected cases to the hospital.

Minister Malachi called on people living in the risk areas to report any suspicious deaths, anyone with signs of weakness, headache and fever, as well as observe basic hygiene.

MINSANTE also warned people to handle animals or animal products carefully, for raw meat can contribute to haemorrhage fever, according to the WHO.

Mimi Mefo Info