Niël Terblanché
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has urged Namibians to exercise caution following reports of an increase in the number of mpox cases in South Africa.
Although Namibia has not recorded any cases, the health ministry’s Executive Director, Ben Nangombe, emphasised that the situation warrants concern.
He added that the ministry is adhering to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, with healthcare workers advised to maintain a high level of suspicion for potential cases.
Close contact with infected people or animals, as well as contaminated materials, can spread the viral infection known as mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.
Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that can cause significant discomfort.
While the disease is generally self-limiting, severe cases can occur, particularly among immunocompromised individuals.
Respiratory droplets and physical contact with lesions on an infected person’s skin can also spread mpox.
Infected individuals are contagious until all sores have healed and a new layer of skin has formed.
The disease poses a particular risk to young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
To prevent the spread, Nangombe recommended that the public practice rigorous hand hygiene, wear masks, adhere to cough etiquette, and avoid crowded areas.
He added that officials at Namibia’s ports of entry are monitoring arrivals by air, land, and sea to prevent any outbreaks.
Nangombe confirmed that the health ministry’s surveillance systems are designed to ensure early detection and response to any potential mpox cases.
