Namibia confirms first Mpox case
## Health Alert: Mpox Case Confirmed in Namibia
Health Alert: Mpox Case Confirmed in Namibia
Namibia's Ministry of Health has confirmed the country's first case of Mpox in Swakopmund as of Sat, Oct 18, 2023. The patient is in a stable condition and is currently in isolation at the Swakopmund District Hospital.
Following WHO protocols, the authorities have declared an outbreak, given that a single confirmed case constitutes an outbreak. Preliminary investigations indicate the case may be linked to cross-border travel within the Southern African region.
Health officials in the Erongo region are actively tracing contacts and monitoring for further cases. The Ministry of Health has confirmed that isolation facilities are prepared to manage suspected infectious diseases.
Namibia's Ministry of Health has confirmed the country's first case of Mpox in Swakopmund as of Sat, Oct 18, 2023.
Mpox is a viral disease akin to smallpox, transmitted through direct skin contact, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a blistering rash.
Seventeen African countries, including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and the DRC, have ongoing outbreaks. Africa has reported over 118,000 cases this year, exceeding last year's total.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
