Namibia Reports First Cholera Case in Nearly a Decade Amid Regional Outbreak
Namibia has confirmed its first cholera case in nearly a decade, reported in the Kunene region, bordering Angola, which is facing a severe cholera outbreak. Jean Kaseya of the Africa CDC confirmed that the affected individual has recovered. The cholera epidemic in Angola remains a severe concern, with ongoing fluctuations in cholera case rates observed globally.
Namibia has reported its first cholera case in nearly ten years, occurring in the Kunene region, which borders Angola, where a significant outbreak has already claimed at least 237 lives. This announcement was made by Jean Kaseya, the Director General of the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC), during an online press briefing. He expressed relief that the affected individual, a 55-year-old woman who experienced acute watery diarrhea, has since recovered and been discharged from the hospital.
The ongoing cholera epidemic in Angola, which has persisted since last year, has primarily affected the capital, Luanda, coinciding with the country’s ongoing struggles with high poverty rates and inadequate sanitation despite its abundant oil wealth. While cholera-related cases and mortality rates are declining, there is a continuous need for health systems to strengthen their cholera response strategies.
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, typically transmitted through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps, which can lead to death within hours if left untreated. However, timely treatment through oral rehydration therapy and antibiotics can mitigate its severity. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted a 71 percent increase in cholera deaths worldwide compared to the previous year, with sub-Saharan Africa witnessing a dramatic 125 percent rise in cases. Conversely, there has been a 32 percent decrease in cases in the Middle East and Asia.
The emergence of Namibia’s first cholera case in nearly a decade serves as a critical prompt for the nation to reinforce its healthcare response protocols. As neighboring Angola grapples with a severe cholera epidemic, Namibia’s experience highlights the importance of improving sanitation and health systems to combat such infectious diseases effectively.
Original Source: punchng.com
