The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has confirmed Namibia’s first case of Mpox, following a positive test result from a patient in Swakopmund on Saturday.
This information was disclosed in a press statement by Health Minister Esperance Luvindao.
According to Dr. Luvindao, the patient is currently receiving treatment at Swakopmund District Hospital and remains in stable condition while in isolation.
Investigations have linked the infection to cross-border travel within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
In accordance with World Health Organization protocols, a single confirmed case of Mpox constitutes an outbreak, prompting the activation of the country’s public health emergency response.
Health authorities have initiated contact tracing and are monitoring individuals who may have been exposed to the infected patient.
Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by an orthopoxvirus.
It produces symptoms similar to smallpox, including fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, and a rash that develops into blisters.
The disease spreads through close physical contact, including skin-to-skin, mouth-to-skin contact, and respiratory droplets during prolonged exposure.
The Ministry has assured the public that Namibia’s surveillance and response systems remain robust, enabling rapid identification, testing, and monitoring of suspected cases.
The Ministry emphasised that Mpox can affect anyone and is not linked to any specific group or race.
Isolation facilities across the country are prepared to accommodate infectious disease cases requiring hospitalisation.
To prevent infection, the Ministry advises the public to maintain good hygiene, avoid direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials, and use personal protective equipment when caring for suspected patients.
Namibia joins several African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania, that are currently reporting active Mpox outbreaks.
The Ministry also urged the public to rely solely on official information and to avoid spreading unverified news about Mpox.