Measles in Cameroon

01 May 2012

An outbreak of measles has been reported in the Far North of Cameroon. The outbreak involves 7 of the 28 health districts of the region and so far in 2012, 2257 suspected case and 17 measles related deaths have been recorded. In 2011, the region registered 1627 cases of measles with 17 deaths.

An immunisation campaign is planned for children under the age of 5 years and vaccination against both polio and measles infection will be administered.  

Advice for Travellers

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.