Namibia Confirms First Cholera Case in Ten Years

Namibia has reported its first cholera case in a decade involving a 55-year-old recovered patient. This triggered health officials to enhance response measures amidst a neighboring outbreak in Angola. The Africa CDC has provided vaccines to Angola, stressing the importance of resources to combat cholera effectively.

Recently, Namibia confirmed its first case of cholera in a decade, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The case involved a 55-year-old woman presenting with diarrhea symptoms, who has since recovered and was discharged from a hospital in the Kunene region. This case serves as a crucial alert for health officials in Namibia.

Africa CDC Director Jean Kaseya emphasized the importance of this case, indicating that it prompts enhancements in the existing health systems to tackle determinants of cholera response. He noted the region’s proximity to Angola, where an ongoing cholera outbreak has resulted in 237 deaths from over 6,500 cases, is significant.

Despite the patient not having traveled outside the country recently, the Angolan outbreak has been declining, and measures are being taken to contain it. The Africa CDC has dispatched 2,000 oral cholera vaccines to Angola to safeguard healthcare professionals, though further resources are necessary for additional doses.

Cholera, a disease that can prove fatal within hours without treatment, particularly threatens children under five due to its bacterial transmission via contaminated food and water. Access to clean water and sanitation is vital to curb the spread, alongside vaccination efforts. The World Health Organization reported a 12% decline in cholera cases across Africa in 2024, even as deaths increased slightly by 3.1%.

In January, Africa experienced the highest numbers of cholera cases and fatalities among all regions, as indicated in a report by the WHO published last month.

The recent cholera case in Namibia signifies a crucial alert for health officials, prompting immediate enhancements in the healthcare response system. The connection to the ongoing outbreak in Angola underscores the need for vigilance and resource allocation, particularly for vaccinations. Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation remains essential in combating the disease effectively.

Original Source: www.usnews.com