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Article History

Received: 21 November 2024

Accepted: 12 June 2025

First Online: 1 July 2025

Declarations

:

: According to the national guidelines on ethics of research in Cameroon, ethical approval is not mandatory for research during outbreak or public health events investigation and response. The study qualified for exemption from ethical review as it was conducted as part of an outbreak investigation according to the Article 25 of the “LAW N° 2022/008 of 27 April 2022 relating to medical research involving human beings in Cameroon” [16]. The statement is: “A research project may only be carried out in an emergency situation if the risks and constraints inherent in the project are minimal and the project provides the opportunity to expect essential results that could provide long-term benefit to people suffering from the same disease or disorder, or whose state of health is comparable.” The study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki. The participant written consent was mandatory for all the participants before interview, taking pictures and sample collection. This consent was obtained after a clear explanation of the study, the whole procedure and the benefits of the study.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.