Hertta-Maria AmutenjaÂ
The Omusati health director, Alfons Amoomo, said the region has not been identified as a cholera hotspot but is prepared to respond should an outbreak occur.
Speaking to Windhoek Observer, Amoomo said the Omusati region has strengthened its surveillance system and is monitoring the situation closely following an outbreak in Luanda, Angola.
“Our surveillance health system is ready to investigate, detect, confirm, and institute timely intervention in any cholera outbreaks,” Amoomo said.
He said measures in place include intensified surveillance for early detection, sensitisation of health workers to be vigilant, and ongoing public health education on hygiene practices.
This procedure includes boiling rainwater, washing hands with soap, washing fruits and vegetables, and consuming well-cooked food. The region has also stocked essential clinical supplies.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has placed all health services on high alert following confirmation of the first cholera case in Namibia.
The ministry’s executive director, Ben Nangombe, said in a statement on Tuesday that health authorities are committed to preventing a widespread outbreak.
He said the case pertains to a 55-year-old woman in the Kunene Region, who presented herself at the Opuwo District Hospital on 2 March with symptoms of severe watery diarrhoea.
A stool sample was collected the following day and sent for laboratory analysis, and on 10 March, results confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae.
“The patient has since received treatment and was discharged in a stable condition,” Nangombe said.
He said the case is being handled with urgency, with public health measures in place to prevent further infections. Investigations revealed that the patient had no recent travel history outside Namibia and had not attended large public gatherings that could have facilitated transmission.
Nangombe said the ministry has activated its regional response teams and intensified surveillance efforts.
“Cholera outbreaks remain a threat in many regions, and with 17 African countries currently battling the disease, Namibia must remain vigilant. We are taking all necessary precautions to prevent further spread.”
The World Health Organization states that a single confirmed cholera case with evidence of local transmission constitutes an outbreak, requiring an immediate public health response.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that spreads through contaminated water or food and without timely intervention, can lead to severe dehydration and death.
Nangombe said the health ministry is reinforcing community education on cholera prevention, safe water consumption, and hygiene practices.
He urged the public to boil or treat water before consumption, practice strict hand hygiene, and ensure proper food storage and sanitation.
He also said there is no cause for panic but called for cooperation in adhering to control measures.
The ministry has set up a hotline for public enquiries and urges citizens to report any suspected cases immediately.
