By Synthia Lateu
Cameroon has recorded 22 confirmed cases of Mpox, with no deaths reported, health authorities have announced.
The update was made public by the Minister of Public Health, Manouda Malachie, during a press briefing in Douala on February 19, 2026.
According to the minister, Mpox resurfaced in the country on November 14, 2025. As of February 16, 2026, surveillance data show 116 suspected cases, of which 22 were confirmed through laboratory testing. Authorities say none of the confirmed cases has resulted in death.
Dr Manouda reassured the public that Mpox is not a new disease in Cameroon, noting that the virus has circulated endemically since the 1970s. He explained that the disease exists in two strains, Clade 1 and Clade 2 – both of which have previously been detected in the country, making periodic resurgences possible.
Confirmed cases have been reported in four regions: the Centre, Littoral, East, and South West. Health officials say infections were detected in several health facilities, including areas of Douala, Akwaya District Hospital in the South West, and Abong-Mbang in the East.
The minister also warned of the emergence of new variants associated with increased human-to-human transmission, particularly through close physical contact. These newer strains, he said, appear to cause more severe symptoms.
Mpox can be transmitted through close contact with infected animals such as certain species of monkeys and rodents, including through bites or scratches. Infection may also occur during activities such as hunting, skinning, food preparation, or the consumption of undercooked meat.
Human-to-human transmission happens mainly through close physical contact.
Authorities say the government is strengthening its response, including plans to acquire vaccines to protect high-risk populations. The health minister added that Cameroon’s health system remains on alert as it continues to respond to other public health threats, including measles and polio.
Official figures further indicate that between January and December 2025, Cameroon recorded 86 suspected Mpox cases, 10 of which were confirmed, representing a positivity rate of 13.9 percent.
Health officials stress that continued surveillance and rapid response remain critical to preventing further spread.
