Main health risks for Cameroon

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

Malaria affects the whole country (zone 3, high resistance to chloroquine).

Cameroon is an endemic area for arbovirosis such as dengue fever and chikungunya. Dengue fever's symptoms are fever, headache, rash, muscle and joint pain, nausea and, in severe cases, hemorrhagic manifestations.

Cases of yellow fever and of Lassa fever occur regularly. Both are viral hemorrhagic fever, the former is transmitted by infected mosquitoes while the latter is hosted by a rodent.

A first H5N1 focus has appeared within the Extreme North Province. No human cases have been reported.

There are cases of animal rabies in the country.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Diarrheic diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.

Cholera outbreaks are frequent in this part of Africa. From January to mid-August 2011, local health authorities reported more than 10,580 cholera cases (379 deaths) countrywide. In order to minimize risks, it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly before meals and to use uncontaminated water.

In 2009, 3 cases of polio were reported countrywide. Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease transmitted via the oro-fecal route. It may cause paralysis. An efficient vaccine exits against this disease.

Due to the risk of parasites, travelers are advised not to bathe in fresh waters (lake, rivers.) and not to walk barefoot.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

HIV is highly prevalent ; according to UNAIDS, 5.1% of the adult population (15-49) is HIV-positive. More than 500 000 persons are HIV positive in the country. AIDS is the highest cause of mortality in Cameroon. HIV is regularly associated with an increase in tuberculosis cases.

Cameroon is regularly confronted to outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis.