THE Ministry of Health and Social Services has warned the public of a suspected cholera outbreak at Opuwo in the Kunene region.
This comes after several members of one household were admitted to hospital with concerning symptoms, according to a notice released on Friday.
While preliminary tests have detected the bacteria responsible for cholera, additional lab results are needed to confirm the outbreak.
The ministry was initially informed of two four-year old children from the same household who were admitted to Opuwo District Hospital on 9 June.
Both children were suffering from acute profuse watery diarrhoea and severe dehydration.
“Unfortunately, one child passed away shortly after he was brought to the hospital, while the other child is still in the isolation ward at the same hospital and is recovering,” the ministry says.
Two more family members, aged five and 35, were reported to have symptoms consistent with cholera on Friday.
They have also been admitted to the isolation ward at the town and are in stable condition.
Engagement with the family revealed no history of international travel, visitors from outside the country, or attendance of public gatherings.
“Public health interventions have been instituted to ensure early detection of additional cases, public education on cholera prevention, and promotion of early health-seeking behaviour.
The public is urged not to panic, but to cooperate, support, and comply with the control measures put in place to prevent further spread of infection,” the ministry says.
Prior to this year, Namibia had enjoyed an entire decade free from cholera.
This positive record was broken when the health ministry confirmed that a woman (55) was diagnosed with the disease on 11 March.
The World Health Organisation defines an outbreak as at least one laboratory-confirmed, locally acquired case of the disease.
Anyone experiencing similar symptoms is urged to present to their nearest health facility immediately.
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