title: Measles outbreak in a poorly vaccinated region in Cameroon: a case series study, public health challenges and recommendations.
abstract: Measles is a highly contagious viral infection and still a leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths in Africa; especially in unvaccinated populations. We reviewed the medical reports of the measles outbreak that occurred in Misaje, in the North west region of Cameroon from 11/03/2015 to 14/05/2015. Six measles cases were recorded during this period; three of them complicated by bacterial infections. Measles should be considered as a differential diagnosis for any febrile rash especially among poorly vaccinated populations. Primary preventive methods implemented by clinicians could help control outbreaks; especially with delays in public health intervention. Also, gaps in health policies in Cameroon should be addressed to scale up vaccination coverage in remote communities like Misaje to reduce the incidence of measles outbreaks.
authors.affiliation: Regional Hospital Bamenda, North west region, Bamenda, Cameroon; Health and Human Development (2HD) Research Group, Douala, Cameroon.
authors.forename: Tsi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Njim
authors.affiliation: Sub-divisional Hospital Nguti, South west region, Nguti, Cameroon; Clinical Research Education, Networking and Consultancy (CRENC), Douala, Littoral, Cameroon.
authors.forename: Leopold Ndemnge
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Aminde
authors.affiliation: Health and Human Development (2HD) Research Group, Douala, Cameroon; Mbopi Baptist Hospital Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
authors.forename: Fambombi Vitalis
authors.initials: FV
authors.lastname: Feteh
authors.affiliation: Fundong District Hospital, North west region, Fundong, Cameroon.
authors.forename: Joel Mbigha
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ngum
authors.affiliation: Sub-divisional Hospital Misaje, North west region, Misaje, Cameroon.
authors.forename: Chandini Aliyou
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Moustapha
mesh_terms: D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D002163:Cameroon / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008457:Measles / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008458:Measles Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011634:Public Health
chemical_list: D008458:Measles Vaccine
keywords: Cameroon; Measles; outbreaks