Cholera outbreak declared in Opuwo after child’s death
Health minister Esperance Luvindao has declared a cholera outbreak in Opuwo, Kunene Region, following the confirmation of locally transmitted cases, including the death of a four-year-old child.
The health ministry confirmed that six people - all from the same household - have contracted the disease, with one fatality reported.
“Today, I officially declare a cholera outbreak in Opuwo District,” Luvindao announced during a media briefing in Windhoek yesterday.
She added that the first two confirmed cases tested positive for Vibrio cholerae 01, a strain known for triggering outbreaks.
The samples were tested by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa.
The situation escalated rapidly after four people - three children and one adult - presented at Opuwo District Hospital with symptoms of watery diarrhoea and vomiting.
One of the children succumbed to severe dehydration.
Eight suspected cases
As of 18 June, eight suspected cases had been reported. While two recent suspected cases tested negative, five individuals remain hospitalised in isolation and are in stable condition.
Although the number of confirmed infections remains limited, the minister said that the presence of a single locally transmitted case meets the World Health Organisation’s threshold for declaring an outbreak. “While the situation does not warrant public panic, it summons our collective commitment to prevent, contain, and eradicate the spread of cholera in the affected areas,” she said.
Cholera, a waterborne disease often linked to poor sanitation and hygiene, continues to plague underserved communities across the continent.
The outbreak in Opuwo highlights persistent inequities in basic service provision, particularly in access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
“Cholera is not merely a health issue - it is an indicator of inequity and a reflection of underlying social development challenges,” Luvindao told the gathering, which included representatives from WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Chronic shortage of healthcare
Namibian Sun recently reported that a child’s death had sent shockwaves through the community, which lacks reliable access to clean water.
The region’s vulnerability to disease outbreaks is exacerbated by its challenging terrain, limited infrastructure, and a chronic shortage of healthcare resources.
During the 2008 floods, Kunene experienced similar devastation when cholera and other waterborne illnesses swept through informal settlements.
In response, the ministry has activated its incident management system to ensure a coordinated multi-sectoral approach.
According to the ministry, medical teams have been dispatched to the area to provide treatment, track infections, and engage communities.
Authorities are chlorinating water sources, establishing rehydration points, and setting up treatment units.
Practise basic hygiene
However, Luvindao emphasised that controlling the outbreak will require more than just medical intervention.
“Protecting public health requires collaborative efforts across all sectors,” she said, appealing to religious leaders, civil society, and media to assist in disseminating accurate information and supporting affected communities.
She urged all Namibians to practise basic hygiene, such as washing hands with clean water and soap, avoiding food from unsafe sources, and boiling water before drinking.
“Immediately seek medical care if you or anyone in your household experiences watery diarrhoea or vomiting,” she cautioned.
The outbreak adds to a growing list of public health emergencies in recent years, including Hepatitis E, COVID-19, and malaria.
But it also reflects Namibia’s improved response capabilities.
“Our experiences with these outbreaks have strengthened our preparedness and response mechanisms,” Luvindao said.
The health ministry confirmed that six people - all from the same household - have contracted the disease, with one fatality reported.
“Today, I officially declare a cholera outbreak in Opuwo District,” Luvindao announced during a media briefing in Windhoek yesterday.
She added that the first two confirmed cases tested positive for Vibrio cholerae 01, a strain known for triggering outbreaks.
The samples were tested by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa.
The situation escalated rapidly after four people - three children and one adult - presented at Opuwo District Hospital with symptoms of watery diarrhoea and vomiting.
One of the children succumbed to severe dehydration.
Eight suspected cases
As of 18 June, eight suspected cases had been reported. While two recent suspected cases tested negative, five individuals remain hospitalised in isolation and are in stable condition.
Although the number of confirmed infections remains limited, the minister said that the presence of a single locally transmitted case meets the World Health Organisation’s threshold for declaring an outbreak. “While the situation does not warrant public panic, it summons our collective commitment to prevent, contain, and eradicate the spread of cholera in the affected areas,” she said.
Cholera, a waterborne disease often linked to poor sanitation and hygiene, continues to plague underserved communities across the continent.
The outbreak in Opuwo highlights persistent inequities in basic service provision, particularly in access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
“Cholera is not merely a health issue - it is an indicator of inequity and a reflection of underlying social development challenges,” Luvindao told the gathering, which included representatives from WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Chronic shortage of healthcare
Namibian Sun recently reported that a child’s death had sent shockwaves through the community, which lacks reliable access to clean water.
The region’s vulnerability to disease outbreaks is exacerbated by its challenging terrain, limited infrastructure, and a chronic shortage of healthcare resources.
During the 2008 floods, Kunene experienced similar devastation when cholera and other waterborne illnesses swept through informal settlements.
In response, the ministry has activated its incident management system to ensure a coordinated multi-sectoral approach.
According to the ministry, medical teams have been dispatched to the area to provide treatment, track infections, and engage communities.
Authorities are chlorinating water sources, establishing rehydration points, and setting up treatment units.
Practise basic hygiene
However, Luvindao emphasised that controlling the outbreak will require more than just medical intervention.
“Protecting public health requires collaborative efforts across all sectors,” she said, appealing to religious leaders, civil society, and media to assist in disseminating accurate information and supporting affected communities.
She urged all Namibians to practise basic hygiene, such as washing hands with clean water and soap, avoiding food from unsafe sources, and boiling water before drinking.
“Immediately seek medical care if you or anyone in your household experiences watery diarrhoea or vomiting,” she cautioned.
The outbreak adds to a growing list of public health emergencies in recent years, including Hepatitis E, COVID-19, and malaria.
But it also reflects Namibia’s improved response capabilities.
“Our experiences with these outbreaks have strengthened our preparedness and response mechanisms,” Luvindao said.
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