Public Health Minister alerts Cameroonians on Monkey Pox outbreak

Public Health Minister, Dr. Manouda Malachie, has issued a public alert regarding the Monkey Pox virus, which has been declared a “Public Health Emergency.”

This announcement follows Sweden’s confirmation of its first Mpox case on August 15, 2024, marking the first instance of the virus outside Africa.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared Mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years.

WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed concern about the emergence of a new Mpox clade and its rapid spread in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries.

“The emergence of this new clade and the ongoing outbreaks in the DRC and other African nations require a coordinated international response to stop these outbreaks and save lives,” he stated.

Dr. Malachie urged Cameroonians to remain vigilant, particularly in border regions where an active epidemic is ongoing.

Since the beginning of 2024, Cameroon has reported 30 suspected cases, with five confirmed and two deaths.

The South West and North West regions are currently experiencing active outbreaks.

Mpox, originally known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic virus transmitted from animals to humans, primarily through rodents. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, with symptoms including skin rashes, itching, and fever.

The virus was first discovered in 1958 in Denmark and the first human case was reported in 1970 in the DRC.

The recent Swedish case, identified as the more severe Clade I, was contracted by an individual who had traveled to Africa.

The Swedish Public Health Agency has provided the patient with care and instructions according to their guidelines.

Research shows two subtypes of the Mpox virus: Clade I, which is endemic in Central Africa and associated with more severe illness and higher mortality, and Clade II, endemic in West Africa, which was responsible for the 2022 global outbreak.

Cameroon’s Public Health Minister has advised the population to watch for symptoms, avoid contact with sick individuals, maintain hygiene, and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.

Meanwhile, global health agencies like the CDC and WHO are closely monitoring the situation.

The 2024 outbreak has prompted renewed efforts to educate the public on Mpox transmission, symptoms, and prevention, especially in non-endemic countries.

Vaccination is recommended for those at higher risk, including healthcare workers and individuals in close contact with infected persons.

©Mimi Mefo Info – Monkey Pox