The Walvis Bay Corridor Group is urging truck drivers, transporters, freight forwarders, and all other stakeholders to be on high alert and extremely cautious of Mpox while also adhering to the prescribed safety protocol.

Mpox has already been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Africa. 

In a statement, the Group's CEO, Mbahupu Tjivikua, urged stakeholders to remain calm and avoid panic.

The Group, with support from SADC, has cross-border wellness clinics along all the key corridors connected to neighbouring countries. 

They offer free assistance and encourage truck drivers and industry players to visit these clinics for prompt assistance. 

Namibian truck drivers and travellers planning to visit affected countries are advised to consider getting vaccinated against Mpox before their journey.

Tjivikua stated that the Ministry of Health and Social Services has indicated its readiness and capacity to detect any cases at all entry points while implementing a robust surveillance system. 

On August 14, the World Health Organisation declared Mpox cases in Africa an Emergency Health Outbreak, following an increase in cases. 

Symptoms of Mpox include a rash with blisters on the face, hands, feet, body, eyes, mouth, and genitals.

A person may also experience fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, muscle and backaches, and fatigue.

Precautionary measures include getting vaccinated against smallpox and avoiding skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals, avoiding hotspots, crowded areas, and markets selling meat products from wild animals.