Measles outbreak hits North West, South West regions.

The new cases were reportedly confirmed by the Ministry of Public Health, MINSANTE, recently.

A note addressed to the Regional Delegates of Public Health for the North West and South West regions by the Minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie, confirms cases of the diseases in Manyu and Menchum divisions.

Dr Manaouda confirmed that eight cases of measles have been discovered at the Mamfe health district in Manyu division and three in Benakuma health district in Menchum Valley Subdivision, Menchum division.

The member of government in the note, while addressing the situation, instructor the Regional Delegates to take stringent measures to combat the new cases of the diseases in the regions.

"I have the honour to request that you take urgent action in accordance with standard operating procedures for managing a measles outbreak in strict compliance with COVID-19 barrier measures," partly read the note from the minister.

The public health boss said the fresh cases were discovered during the 50th epidemiological week, which held recently across the country.

Dr Manaouda also instructed the Regional Delegates to inform all the various heads of the different health units to investigate and organise local response at their level and ensure effective case management.

Just like the COVID-19 virus, measles is an airborne disease which spreads easily from one person to another through cough and sneeze.

In July 2022, health officials reported a surge in measles cases in the country. Over 3,700 suspected cases, including 1,387 confirmed cases, were reported across many regions between January 1 to July 3, last year. This nearly tripled the 1,429 cases reported over a similar period in 2021.

By Mboh Promise