Hantavirus: Cameroon reassures and strengthens its health monitoring system

Yaoundé, May 15, 2026. In response to concerns raised by the international media about a hantavirus outbreak, the Cameroonian government is calling for calm and vigilance. During a press conference held at the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) in Yaoundé, the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, reassured the national public by stating that no cases have, so far, been detected in Cameroon and that the risk level remains low.
Alongside the minister, several major partners in the health sector participated in this communication, including the Resident Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Cameroon, Dr. Magaran Monzon Bagayoko. He praised the promptness of the Cameroonian response and the strengthening of the health surveillance system, stating that "the measures taken by the Government are in line with international standards for prevention and preparedness against emerging health threats." The Director General of the Pasteur Center of Cameroon, Dr. Mirdad Kazanji, as well as the Country Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Cameroon, Dr. Mohamed Falilu Jalloh, were also present.

An international context under surveillance
According to the information provided, the health alert originated from an incident that occurred aboard a cruise ship that left Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026. On May 2, 2026, British health authorities reported to the WHO an outbreak of severe acute respiratory illness among the passengers.
The analyses conducted by reference laboratories have identified the hantavirus. To date, 11 cases have been recorded, including 8 confirmed, 2 deaths, and 1 inconclusive on a global scale, while numerous people are being monitored in several countries as part of contact tracing.

A rare but potentially serious virus
The hantavirus, first identified in South Korea in the 1970s, is transmitted by wild rodents. The disease generally begins with symptoms like those of the flu, including fever and muscle aches, before evolving, in some cases, into severe respiratory forms.
To date, no vaccine or specific treatment is available. However, the World Health Organization considers that the risk of global spread remains low.

Cameroon outside the risk zone
In Cameroon, health authorities want to reassure. "No cases have been detected on national territory or on the African continent," insisted the Minister of Public Health. In addition, no connection has been established between the country and the routes taken by the passengers concerned.
Another reassuring factor: the absence of a known reservoir of the Andes virus in Africa, which strongly limits the risk of local emergence.

Preventive measures already reinforced
Despite a low risk level, the government has taken the initiative by strengthening its health monitoring system.
Among the measures taken:

- Strengthening surveillance at points of entry, particularly at the international airports of Yaoundé and Douala as well as at the seaports of Douala, Limbe, and Kribi.

- Reactivating isolation facilities in reference health centers.

- Preparing medical personnel to handle potential cases.

- Collaborating with reference laboratories, notably the Pasteur Institute of Dakar, for diagnosis.

- Implementing a strengthened communication strategy.

N.B.: A specific national plan for preparation and response is also being developed.

Call for calm and responsibility
The Minister of Public Health emphasized the importance of avoiding any panic. "Nothing in the current situation justifies excessive concern," he stated, urging the population to continue their daily activities with peace of mind.
The authorities, however, recommend adhering to basic hygiene measures, such as regular handwashing, respiratory hygiene, and wearing a mask in case of symptoms.
A toll-free number, 1510, remains available for any information or reporting.

A constant mobilization of the authorities
Under the impetus of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, the government aims to fully commit to protecting the health of the population. Health authorities assure that they will continue to closely monitor the evolution of the situation at the international level and keep the public informed with complete transparency.
For the time being, the message is clear: vigilance yes, but without panic.