Namibia confirms first Mpox case, declares outbreak
The ministry of health has confirmed Namibia’s first case of Mpox, officially declaring an outbreak in accordance with World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols.
Health minister Esperance Luvindao announced on Sunday that the case was detected in Swakopmund on Saturday. The patient is receiving treatment in isolation at the Swakopmund District Hospital and is in stable condition.
According to Luvindao, preliminary investigations indicate that the case is linked to cross-border travel within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
“The identification of additional cases and the monitoring of immediate contacts is ongoing through the Erongo regional health authorities,” she said.
Luvindao assured the public that Namibia’s disease surveillance system remains strong and capable of responding swiftly to health emergencies. She added that isolation facilities across the country are equipped to accommodate suspected infectious cases requiring hospitalisation.
Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease caused by an orthopoxvirus, presents symptoms similar to smallpox — including fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and a rash that develops into blisters. The incubation period ranges between five and 21 days.
Luvindao noted that while Mpox was first identified in monkeys in 1958 and later in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), recent outbreaks in Africa have been driven primarily by human-to-human transmission. Namibia now joins 17 other African countries currently reporting active Mpox cases, including the DRC, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania.
How the disease spreads
The minister explained that Mpox spreads mainly through close contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or skin lesions from infected individuals. The virus can also be transmitted through contaminated bedding, towels, or clothing.
“Health workers, people in congregated settings, and individuals in prolonged close contact with infected persons are at higher risk,” she said.
Luvindao added that the ministry has activated the public health emergency response mechanism and mobilised resources to contain the spread.
Health minister Esperance Luvindao announced on Sunday that the case was detected in Swakopmund on Saturday. The patient is receiving treatment in isolation at the Swakopmund District Hospital and is in stable condition.
According to Luvindao, preliminary investigations indicate that the case is linked to cross-border travel within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
“The identification of additional cases and the monitoring of immediate contacts is ongoing through the Erongo regional health authorities,” she said.
Luvindao assured the public that Namibia’s disease surveillance system remains strong and capable of responding swiftly to health emergencies. She added that isolation facilities across the country are equipped to accommodate suspected infectious cases requiring hospitalisation.
Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease caused by an orthopoxvirus, presents symptoms similar to smallpox — including fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and a rash that develops into blisters. The incubation period ranges between five and 21 days.
Luvindao noted that while Mpox was first identified in monkeys in 1958 and later in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), recent outbreaks in Africa have been driven primarily by human-to-human transmission. Namibia now joins 17 other African countries currently reporting active Mpox cases, including the DRC, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania.
How the disease spreads
The minister explained that Mpox spreads mainly through close contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or skin lesions from infected individuals. The virus can also be transmitted through contaminated bedding, towels, or clothing.
“Health workers, people in congregated settings, and individuals in prolonged close contact with infected persons are at higher risk,” she said.
Luvindao added that the ministry has activated the public health emergency response mechanism and mobilised resources to contain the spread.
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