Namibia has reported its first cholera case in ten years, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) confirmed on Thursday, calling the laboratory confirmation a major alert for the country’s health authorities.
The patient, a 55-year-old woman from Kunene region, exhibited symptoms of diarrhoea but has since recovered and been discharged from the hospital, according to Namibia’s health ministry. Despite no recent travel history outside the country, her case has prompted officials to strengthen disease surveillance and response efforts.
Africa CDC director Jean Kaseya linked the case to Angola’s ongoing cholera outbreak, which has caused 6,564 infections and 237 deaths since January. The Kunene region borders Angola, increasing the risk of cross-border disease transmission. However, Kaseya noted that Angola’s infection rate has been declining, and efforts are underway to contain the outbreak.
To support the response, Africa CDC has provided 2,000 oral cholera vaccines to Angola for healthcare workers, but Kaseya stressed that additional resources are needed for broader vaccine distribution.
Cholera is a life-threatening disease caused by bacteria spread through contaminated food and water. It can cause severe dehydration and death within hours if left untreated, though some infections result in mild or no symptoms. Children under five are particularly vulnerable.
Access to clean water, sanitation, and vaccination are essential to preventing outbreaks. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported a 12% decline in cholera cases across Africa in 2024, but fatalities increased by 3.1%. Africa had the highest number of cholera cases and deaths globally in January, according to a WHO report published last month.
Namibian health authorities are now on high alert, reinforcing response measures to prevent further infections.
Melissa Enoch
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