Hemorrhagic fever deaths in Equatorial Guinea

Cameroon has put restrictions on movement along its border with Equatorial Guinea due to a recent outbreak of an unknown illness that causes hemorrhagic fever, according to Cameroon’s Health Minister, Malachie Manaouda.

The decision was made due to the “high risk of importation of this disease” and to detect and respond to any potential cases as soon as possible, said the minister in a statement. An investigation is underway with the help of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Atlanta Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In Equatorial Guinea, the situation is being monitored closely, with nine deaths already reported in the Nsok Nsomo district in Kie-Ntem province. The cause of the illness is yet to be identified, with symptoms including fever, weakness, vomiting blood, and diarrhea. The WHO is working to test samples to determine the cause and is expected to have results in the coming days. So far, no cases have been detected or suspected in Cameroon.