Namibia confirms one cholera case

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has reported that for the first time in 10 years a case of cholera has been confirmed in the Kunene region.

This was reported yesterday by the health ministry’s executive director, Ben Nangombe.

“On 2 March 2025, a 55-year-old female patient presented at the Opuwo District Hospital in the Kunene region, exhibiting symptoms of watery diarrhea for the preceding two days,” he said.

Nangombe added that following her admission, the patient received appropriate treatment as per established guidelines.

“A stool sample was collected on 3 March and sent for laboratory testing.

The outcome confirmed a positive result for cholera on 10 March. The patient has since recovered and was discharged in a stable condition,” Nangombe said.

He said the ministry has ensured robust public health measures are in place to manage this situation effectively.

According to the health ministry, the preliminary investigations indicate that the patient has no recent travel history outside the country, nor any known contact with individuals from abroad.

“There is no record of the patient attending public gatherings or events such as funerals, weddings or birthday parties, which may have contributed to potential spread of the disease.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, typically transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water.

“It is important to note that cholera is both preventable and treatable. Left untreated, the disease can lead to severe dehydration and can be life-threatening, but with prompt and appropriate treatment, the fatality rate can be reduced to less than 1%,” Nangombe said.

According to the protocols of the health ministry and the World Health Organisation (WHO), one laboratory-confirmed cholera case with evidence of local transmission is considered an outbreak and requires public health measures be instituted to prevent further transmission.

“In response to the confirmed case, the Kunene Regional Directorate of Health and Social Welfare Services has activated a comprehensive response protocol.

The health ministry is conducting investigations to establish the source of infection and prevent any additional cases from arising,” he said.

Nangombe said community education regarding cholera prevention and hygiene practices is currently being reinforced, and the WHO country office has been informed.

“Cholera outbreaks are a known risk across various regions, with 17 African countries reporting ongoing cholera outbreaks. Consequently, the ministry is on high alert and has intensified measures to monitor and control the situation,” he said.

Nangombe said cholera’s key risk factors include consuming untreated or unboiled water, poor hand hygiene, inadequate food safety practices, open defecation and insufficient sanitation facilities, and living in flood prone areas.

The executive director further urged members of the public to boil or treat water before drinking it, and practice hand hygiene by washing their hands with soap and clean water before handling food or after using the toilet.

Nangombe further advised members of the public to store food safely and cover it appropriately, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water before consumption, and utilise proper sanitation facilities.