Namibia Reports Its First Cholera Case in Nearly a Decade

Namibia has reported its first cholera case in ten years, linked to an outbreak in Angola that has resulted in over 230 deaths. A 55-year-old woman with acute watery diarrhea has recovered. This case emphasizes the need for improved health measures in Namibia, as cholera remains a significant concern in sub-Saharan Africa, evidenced by WHO statistics showing a rise in cases and deaths in the region.

Namibia has reported its first cholera case in nearly a decade, occurring in the Kunene region near the Angolan border, where a significant cholera outbreak has resulted in at least 237 fatalities. Jean Kaseya, the director general of the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC), stated that the case involved a 55-year-old woman who developed acute watery diarrhea but has since recovered and been discharged from the hospital.

The cholera outbreak in Angola, which has persisted since last year, has heavily affected the capital, Luanda, amidst a context of high poverty and inadequate sanitation despite the country’s vast oil resources. The CDC noted a decline in cases and mortality rates in Angola, providing a sense of optimism.

Cholera is an acute intestinal infection that spreads through contaminated food and water and can lead to severe dehydration and death if untreated. However, effective treatment is available, including oral rehydration therapy and antibiotics for severe cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a 71 percent rise in cholera-related deaths globally last year, particularly highlighting contrasting trends in affected regions.

Notably, while the Middle East and Asia saw a 32 percent decrease in cases, sub-Saharan Africa experienced a staggering 125 percent increase, indicating a critical need for enhanced public health responses in the most affected regions.

Namibia’s first cholera case in nearly a decade highlights urgent public health challenges, especially with an ongoing outbreak in neighboring Angola. The successful recovery of the affected individual underscores the importance of being vigilant and prepared. This incident serves as a reminder for Namibia to strengthen its health systems in response to potential cholera outbreaks, especially given the rising toll of such diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.

Original Source: punchng.com