Namibian health authorities have activated cholera surveillance systems following the confirmation of the country’s first case in 10 years.
The patient, a 55-year-old woman in the Kunene region, has since recovered and been discharged from hospital.
The Kunene region, bordering Angola, has been flagged as a possible source due to its proximity to Angola, which has been grappling with a cholera outbreak since January.
The Namibian government is working to reinforce its health systems to contain any potential spread, focusing on addressing the determinants of cholera response and maintaining vigilance through enhanced surveillance.
Namibia has fared better than many of its neighbours in managing cholera outbreaks over the past decade, largely due to improved access to clean water and sanitation.
The last significant cholera outbreak in Namibia occurred in 2013, with hundreds of cases reported in regions bordering Angola.
In neighbouring Angola, the outbreak has caused 237 fatalities out of 6,564 reported cases.
However, Namibian health officials stated that the patient had no recent travel history outside the country.
This development has raised alarm, with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on Thursday describing the laboratory-confirmed case as a “major alert” for the nation.
Cholera, caused by bacteria spread in contaminated food and water, can kill within hours without treatment. Children under five are particularly vulnerable.
JN/APA