Namibia has confirmed its first cholera case in ten years, prompting health officials to take urgent action. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) called the laboratory-confirmed case a major alert, stressing the need for immediate containment.
A 55-year-old woman from the Kunene region in northwest Namibia tested positive for the disease. She was hospitalized with symptoms of diarrhoea but has since recovered and been discharged, the health ministry said. Officials confirmed that she had not traveled outside the country, raising concerns about local transmission.
Experts suggest that the case may be linked to the ongoing cholera outbreak in Angola. The neighboring country has recorded 6,564 cases and 237 deaths since January. “This region’s proximity to Angola explains why we are seeing this case,” said Africa CDC Director Jean Kaseya. He noted that while infections in Angola are declining, cross-border transmission remains a risk.
In response, Africa CDC has sent 2,000 oral cholera vaccine doses to Angola to protect healthcare workers. However, Kaseya emphasized the need for more resources to expand vaccinations.
Cholera spreads through contaminated food and water. It can cause severe dehydration and, without treatment, lead to death within hours. While some cases are mild, young children are at higher risk. Public health experts stress that clean water, sanitation, and vaccines are critical in preventing outbreaks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a 12/percent drop in cholera cases across Africa in 2024 compared to 2023. However, fatalities increased by 3.1/percent. The continent also had the highest number of cases and deaths globally in January.
With its first case in a decade, Namibia is strengthening health surveillance and response efforts to prevent further infections.