Child (4) dies amid suspected cholera outbreak in Opuwo
The health ministry confirmed the death of a four-year-old child amid a suspected cholera outbreak in the Opuwo district last week.
Two more children, aged four and five, along with a 35-year-old adult from the same household, have also been hospitalised with suspected cholera, the ministry confirmed on Friday.
The first two four-year-old children were admitted to Opuwo District Hospital last Monday with symptoms of acute watery diarrhoea and severe dehydration.
One of them tragically died shortly after arrival, while the other remains in an isolation ward and is reportedly recovering.
According to the ministry, samples were collected from both children and sent for testing.
Preliminary results received on 11 and 12 June indicated the presence of Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera. However, confirmatory results are still pending.
The ministry added that after the initial cases were reported, two more suspected cases involving a third child and an adult from the same household were reported on Friday. Both are being treated in isolation and are in stable condition.
Local health protocols activated
The ministry said the family reported no recent travel history, nor any contact with visitors from outside the region or country.
They had also not attended any public gatherings, such as funerals or weddings, prior to the onset of symptoms.
Under local and World Health Organisation protocols, even a single locally confirmed case of cholera is sufficient to declare an outbreak and trigger public health measures. While no official confirmation has yet been made, the ministry considers the situation a suspected outbreak and has begun implementing control strategies to prevent further spread.
The public is urged to remain calm but cooperative and to adhere strictly to health advisories.
Anyone experiencing cholera-like symptoms is advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.
Two more children, aged four and five, along with a 35-year-old adult from the same household, have also been hospitalised with suspected cholera, the ministry confirmed on Friday.
The first two four-year-old children were admitted to Opuwo District Hospital last Monday with symptoms of acute watery diarrhoea and severe dehydration.
One of them tragically died shortly after arrival, while the other remains in an isolation ward and is reportedly recovering.
According to the ministry, samples were collected from both children and sent for testing.
Preliminary results received on 11 and 12 June indicated the presence of Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera. However, confirmatory results are still pending.
The ministry added that after the initial cases were reported, two more suspected cases involving a third child and an adult from the same household were reported on Friday. Both are being treated in isolation and are in stable condition.
Local health protocols activated
The ministry said the family reported no recent travel history, nor any contact with visitors from outside the region or country.
They had also not attended any public gatherings, such as funerals or weddings, prior to the onset of symptoms.
Under local and World Health Organisation protocols, even a single locally confirmed case of cholera is sufficient to declare an outbreak and trigger public health measures. While no official confirmation has yet been made, the ministry considers the situation a suspected outbreak and has begun implementing control strategies to prevent further spread.
The public is urged to remain calm but cooperative and to adhere strictly to health advisories.
Anyone experiencing cholera-like symptoms is advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.
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