We have identified you may not be viewing TRAVAX optimally because the browser you are using is unsupported - click here.
We have identified you may not be viewing TRAVAX optimally because the browser you are using is unsupported - click here.
On 4 June 2018, International SOS reported
at least sixteen people in Cameroon are thought to have monkeypox, a disease that hasn't been reported in the country since 1989. Monkeypox cases have been reported in Njikwa, Northwest province and Akwaya, Southwest province, Biyem-Assi, Central Region, Bertoua, Eastern Region, and Fotokol, Far-North Region.
Monkeypox is a rare infection related to smallpox. It resembles the less severe variola minor form of smallpox and has the potential to be fatal in a minority of cases. Monkeypox is unusual in travellers and tends to occur in isolated rural or forest areas.
Nearly all cases have occurred in Central or West Africa, with only a few cases ever reported outside Africa. Most infections result from direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or cutaneous/ mucosal lesions of infected animals including monkeys, giant rats, squirrels and rabbits. Rodents are the major source of infection. Eating undercooked meat of infected animals is a possible risk factor.
There is no specific vaccine or treatment for monkeypox and prevention is by avoiding contact with infected animals and people. Smallpox vaccine may offer some protection but is generally offered to those at high risk eg laboratory staff or healthcare workers in an outbreak situation.
