Hantavirus: Cameroon Reinforces Health Surveillance as Global Concerns Rise.

Cameroon has stepped up health surveillance following growing international concerns over hantavirus, a rare but dangerous disease linked mainly to rodents. Although no case has been confirmed in the country, health authorities say preventive measures are being reinforced to protect the population as global monitoring continues.

photo credit : Cameroon Tribune( web)

Source: Timesofcameroon.com

The Cameroonian government says it is closely monitoring the international hantavirus situation following reports of a deadly outbreak linked to a cruise ship carrying passengers from several countries. Health authorities insist that the risk remains low but say preventive measures have already been reinforced across the country.

According to the Minister of Public Health, Malachie Manaouda, Cameroon is working with international health partners to strengthen surveillance and prevent any possible importation of the virus into the country. 

The concern follows an outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus detected aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius. The World Health Organization reported at least eight cases and three deaths linked to the outbreak. Health experts say this strain is unusual because it can spread from one person to another in rare cases of close contact. 

Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Health has however reassured the population that there are currently no confirmed cases in the country. Authorities say the World Health Organization still considers the overall global risk to be low. 

Hantavirus is mainly transmitted through contact with infected rodents, especially through urine, saliva, or droppings. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, coughing, and breathing difficulties in severe cases. 

Cameroonian health officials are also calling on citizens to avoid spreading false information and to respect public health recommendations while the situation continues to be monitored internationally.