Namibia has declared a national mpox outbreak following confirmation of its first case in the coastal city of Swakopmund, prompting health authorities to launch an emergency response amid growing regional concern.
Health and Social Services Minister Esperance Luvindao confirmed that the patient is receiving treatment in isolation at Swakopmund District Hospital and is in stable condition.
A preliminary investigation has linked the case to recent cross-border travel within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Namibia’s health authorities have activated a public health emergency response, mobilising resources and initiating contact tracing in the Erongo Region where Swakopmund is located.
“The identification of additional cases and monitoring of immediate contacts is ongoing through health authorities in the Erongo Region (of which Swakopmund is the capital),” the minister said.
The declaration marks a critical moment in Namibia’s public health landscape as the country joins a growing list of African nations grappling with the spread of mpox.
Mpox, a zoonotic disease formerly known as monkeypox, has seen a resurgence across Africa in recent years, with active outbreaks currently reported in 17 countries.
Within the SADC region, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia have all registered cases.
The virus, which can cause fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, is transmitted through close contact and has raised concerns about regional coordination and preparedness.
JN/APA