Mpox Outbreak: Eleven Suspected Cases in Littoral Region, Four Confirmed

By Synthia Lateu

Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Health has reported eleven suspected cases of Mpox in the Littoral Region, with four confirmed so far. Response teams have been deployed to contain the outbreak, the ministry said in a recent release and Regional Delegate Saurel Ngoo Mebe has reassured residents that measures are in place to manage the situation.
“These positive cases had been in contact with other individuals, and all contacts have tested negative to date,” the Regional Delegate said. “Following identification of these cases, the Minister instructed us to activate our Incident Management System, which is always implemented during crises. Teams are now on the ground, and we continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure any new cases are immediately managed.” He added.
On the streets of Douala, the regional capital, awareness of Mpox remains limited, with some residents saying they are unfamiliar with the illness. Authorities have urged the public to respect preventive measures and to watch out for symptoms, which include: Fever and temperature above 38°C, Intense headaches, Swollen lymph nodes, Back pain, Muscle aches and Severe fatigue
These symptoms , delegate Ngoo Mebe explained are usually followed within one to three days by a skin rash, which typically starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, including the palms and soles.
The ministry has asked anyone with suspected symptoms to call the toll-free number 1510, allowing health teams to respond quickly. Mpox is a viral disease that can affect both animals and humans and spreads through close contact.
Since January 1, 2025, Cameroon has recorded 114 suspected cases, with 10 confirmed and no deaths reported.