Namibia has registered its first cholera case in a decade, which has caused alarm among health authorities, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said on Thursday. The confirmation is a “major alert” for Namibia’s health officials, indicating that there should be increased monitoring and response.
The infected patient, a 55-year-old female who had acute diarrhea, was admitted in the northwestern Kunene province. Namibia’s health ministry reported that she has since been cured and discharged. Authorities are now fortifying response systems to prevent further infections.
Africa CDC Director Jean Kaseya explained the case to be due to Namibia’s proximity to Angola, where there has been a cholera outbreak since January that has resulted in 6,564 cases and 237 deaths so far. The health ministry in Namibia, while making this connection, stated that the patient had no record of recent international travel.
“The situation in Angola is a critical one, but the infections are on the decline,” Kaseya explained in an online presentation. He went on to state that Africa CDC has sent 2,000 doses of oral cholera vaccine to Angola to immunize health workers, but additional resources would be needed in order to step up vaccinations.
Cholera, brought on by infection from bacteria that is transmitted by dirty food and water, leads to severe dehydration and death in hours if not treated. Some may be mild or even asymptomatic, yet children under the age of five are extremely vulnerable. Clean water, sanitation, and vaccination must be available to help prevent outbreaks.
World Health Organization (WHO) says Africa registered a 12% reduction in cholera cases in 2024 compared to the previous year. Deaths related to dealing rose by 3.1%, with the largest worldwide number being recorded by the continent in January.
Precautions are now being ramped up by health authorities in Namibia to prevent further infections, including practices of hygiene and disease monitoring.
