As Ebola hits Nigeria again: Gov’t activates surveillance measures.

Dr Manaouda reassured the population that Cameroon has not recorded any case of Ebola. He explained that the government is strengthening surveillance at airports, seaports and land borders while assessing the country's capacity to detect, isolate and manage suspected cases. 

He said the meeting was focused on preventing the outbreak of the virus, evaluating the preparedness of health facilities and mobilising government institutions, health workers and other partners to support prevention efforts.

Dr Manaouda explained that Cameroon's proximity to Nigeria, coupled with frequent cross-border movement, requires increased monitoring of travellers and suspected infections.

He said the government has been holding preparedness meetings since May 2026, when the current Ebola outbreak was declared an international health emergency.

“There is no reason to panic. We are not dealing with a case in Cameroon at the moment. We are simply preparing ourselves, our equipment, our logistics and our health workers so that if a case occurs, we can detect it, isolate the patient and provide the necessary care,” the minister told reporters. 

He disclosed that health authorities have already held 25 meetings as part of national preparedness efforts. The minister said the confirmation of an Ebola case in Nigeria has prompted the government to accelerate its response, particularly in areas with significant movement of people between the two countries.

Border surveillance strengthened 

According to Dr Manaouda, health authorities are intensifying screening at the country's entry points to identify travellers presenting symptoms associated with Ebola. The measures include placing health facilities and rapid response teams on high alert, preparing isolation centres and mobilising reference laboratories for early diagnosis.

The minister said the government is also evaluating the availability of medical equipment, laboratory testing facilities and trained personnel to ensure that suspected cases can be identified and managed. 

He explained that the national health system must be capable of detecting a suspected infection, confirming the diagnosis, isolating the patient and providing appropriate treatment.

Dr Manaouda said the meeting also examined the role of other government administrations, development partners and community leaders in preventing the spread of the disease. 

He disclosed that resolutions adopted during the meeting would be submitted to Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute for consideration. 

The minister further announced that Cameroon's national Ebola preparedness and response plan has been updated to reflect the current health situation.

Public urged to remain calm

Dr Manaouda called on the population to remain vigilant without spreading fear or unverified information about the disease. He emphasised the importance of public sensitisation, early reporting of suspected infections and cooperation between communities and health personnel. 

In a press release issued on October 21, the Ministry of Public Health urged citizens to regularly wash their hands with soap and running water, avoid contact with people showing symptoms of Ebola and refrain from handling dead animals or consuming bushmeat.

The ministry also advised people against handling the bodies of deceased persons in circumstances involving suspected Ebola infections.

Persons developing fever or other symptoms within 21 days of visiting an affected country or coming into contact with a suspected case have been advised to seek immediate medical attention or call the toll-free number 1510. 

The ministry explained that Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood, secretions or other bodily fluids of infected persons, including those who have died from the disease, as well as contaminated objects.

Symptoms include sudden fever, severe fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Some patients may also experience bleeding.

PM orders increased vigilance

The minister's announcement follows an interministerial meeting chaired by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute on October 21, at the Star Building in Yaounde. 

The meeting brought together officials from the health and security sectors to assess the risks posed by the Ebola situation in neighbouring countries.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister instructed the relevant authorities to intensify surveillance at airports, seaports and land borders to prevent the virus from entering Cameroon. 

The government also examined the preparedness of health facilities, response teams and other institutions responsible for managing public health emergencies.

The measures followed Nigeria's confirmation on October 20, of an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus in Abuja. 

According to the World Health Organisation, WHO, the patient is a woman who recently travelled from Uganda. She developed symptoms on October 7, and sought treatment at a private health facility in Abuja on October 11.

Laboratory tests confirmed the infection on October 20. Nigerian authorities subsequently isolated the patient and initiated contact tracing, identifying 44 people for monitoring. The WHO has called on countries in the region to strengthen disease surveillance, laboratory testing and emergency response arrangements.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3948 of Friday October 23, 2026