No record of confirmed mpox cases – health ministry

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has confirmed that no cases of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, have been recorded in the country.

This was confirmed by ministry spokesperson Walter Kamaya in a media statement yesterday.

“Namibia has not recorded a confirmed case of mpox. Moreover, the ministry wishes to reassure members of the public that Namibia is adequately prepared to respond to public health emergencies and disease outbreaks such as mpox.

“With respect to isolation facilities, 25 out of 36 hospitals across the country have readily available isolation facilities to accommodate and admit suspected infectious diseases,” he said.

Kamaya said Namibia has a robust surveillance system in place dedicated to ensuring rapid detection, case finding, and containment of any public health event in Namibia, including a potential mpox outbreak.

“This surveillance system ensures that all individuals showing signs or symptoms related to mpox are quickly identified, tested and monitored. As at 26 August 2024, Namibia’s public and private health facilities have collectively tested a total of 18 patients for mpox. Of these 18 suspected cases, 15 have tested negative, and 3 are awaiting results,” he said.

The health ministry further emphasised that all individuals who are investigated for mpox are regarded as suspected cases until laboratory confirmation is received.

Kamaya said if the laboratory results are negative, the respective patient will continue to be monitored and managed for other illnesses, as appropriate.

“We are repurposing isolation facilities at 11 hospitals to accommodate mpox cases should the need arise, as some of the isolation facilities put in place to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic were repurposed to provide other healthcare services.

“The ministry values the public’s trust in our health system. We urge the community to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information on mpox or any other public health matter, as this may cause unnecessary panic,” Kamaya said.

He said that as the institution with the public health mandate, the ministry will always provide accurate, truthful, and timely information concerning public health matters.

“We remind the public that misinformation can provoke unnecessary fear and uncertainty. To stay informed, please rely on official sources – the Ministry of Health and Social Services and other reputable health organisations,” Kamaya said.