Cameroon: recent disease outbreaks
Sources checked
Recent reports
Cholera — Far North region (including reports from Minawao refugee camp)
Since mid‑2026 authorities have reported a sustained cholera (acute watery diarrhoea) outbreak concentrated in the Far North Region (Logone‑et‑Chari and several neighbouring health districts), with large numbers reported through August 2026 and continuing transmission into September. The World Health Organization’s global cholera summary showed Cameroon among countries with recent surges and reported 890 new cholera cases and 24 deaths in August 2026 (data to 30 Aug 2026), with 2,016 cases and 56 deaths recorded from January–August 2026. WHO WER (issue covering Aug 2026). Humanitarian partners’ situation reporting for 23 July–24 August 2026 described sustained community transmission in multiple Far North health districts, a reactive oral cholera vaccination campaign targeting nearly 1 million people in affected areas, active WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) and case‑management activities, and 1,529 suspected cases with 41 deaths reported as of 21 August 2026. UNICEF Flash Update (23 Jul–24 Aug 2026). UNHCR reporting also documents cholera cases inside and around the Minawao refugee camp in early September 2026, underscoring elevated risk in displacement settings. UNHCR: Situation — Minawao (7 Sep 2026). Why it matters to travellers: visitors to the Far North, border crossing areas and displacement sites may encounter active transmission, reduced clinical capacity, water/sanitation challenges and local vaccination or movement‑control measures. Prevention and response activities in the field focus on safe water, sanitation, hygiene and rapid case management; travellers should follow local public‑health advice, use treated or bottled water, practice careful food and hand hygiene, and seek prompt medical care for severe diarrhoea. UNICEF.
Measles — ongoing national outbreaks and vaccination campaigns (October 2026)
National reporting in October 2026 describes a widespread measles resurgence with thousands of confirmed cases and many health districts in an active epidemic phase; press reporting cited an official count of 9,369 confirmed cases by epidemiological week 33 and said the Ministry of Public Health has launched or is scaling targeted vaccination activities for young children (measles‑rubella catch‑up campaigns, focused on ages 9–59 months). Journal du Cameroun (11 Oct 2026). Regional WHO outbreak bulletins list measles among the events tracked for Cameroon during August–October 2026 and emphasise vaccination as the principal control measure. WHO Regional reporting on Cameroon. Why it matters to travellers: measles is highly contagious; travellers and parents of young children should ensure routine immunizations are up to date before travel. The WHO and country immunization programmes endorse rapid vaccination campaigns to limit spread; follow local guidance if you or a travelling companion develop fever and rash. WHO measles information.
Mpox (monkeypox) — continued localized transmission reported in 2026
WHO’s multi‑country mpox situation report published 31 July 2026 listed Cameroon among countries reporting active transmission in the six weeks before the report (24 confirmed cases reported to WHO as of 19 July 2026). WHO mpox situation report no. 68 (31 Jul 2026). National health authorities and local media also reported suspected and confirmed mpox clusters during 2026 (including confirmed cases detected in the South and Littoral regions and public‑health response actions described by the Ministry of Public Health). Ministry of Public Health (Cameroon), Cameroon Tribune (July 2026 reporting). Why it matters to travellers: mpox spreads primarily by close personal contact (including sexual and household contact) and contaminated household items; travellers should avoid close physical contact with people who have unexplained rashes or lesions, follow local public‑health instructions, and seek medical evaluation if symptoms develop. National guidance and WHO recommendations guide case finding, contact tracing and isolation in affected areas. MINSANTE.
These items summarise reports and official measures documented up to 27 October 2026. Conditions and public‑health advice can change quickly; travellers should consult local health authorities, the Cameroon Ministry of Public Health, and their travel‑medicine provider for up‑to‑date, location‑specific guidance before and during travel.