Namibia has reported its first cholera case in nearly ten years, with the patient a 55-year-old woman from the Kunene region. This case follows a cholera outbreak in Angola that has resulted in 237 deaths. The individual has recovered, signaling a need for enhanced responses to cholera outbreaks in the country. The WHO notes a concerning rise in cholera deaths globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Namibia has identified its first cholera case in nearly ten years, occurring in a region adjacent to Angola, where a significant outbreak has resulted in 237 fatalities. Jean Kaseya, the director general of the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC), confirmed this development during an online press briefing, stating, “For the first time after almost 10 years… Namibia reported the first cholera case two days ago.”
The patient is a 55-year-old woman from the Kunene region, who exhibited symptoms of “acute watery diarrhea.” Fortunately, she has recovered and has since been discharged from the hospital. Kaseya emphasized that this incident serves as a critical reminder for Namibia to enhance its health system and cholera response efforts.
Angola has been grappling with a cholera epidemic since the previous year, which has heavily impacted areas such as the capital, Luanda. Despite significant oil wealth, Angola faces challenges with high poverty rates and inadequate sanitation. However, the CDC notes a decline in both cholera cases and mortality rates in the country.
Cholera is a severe intestinal infection caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water. Urgent symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps, and without treatment, severe cases may lead to death within hours. While effective treatments such as oral rehydration therapy and antibiotics exist for severe cases, the situation remains critical.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cholera deaths have surged by 71 percent compared to the previous year. Regional trends show a significant shift, with affected areas in the Middle East and Asia experiencing a decrease in cases, while sub-Saharan Africa has seen a dramatic 125 percent rise in cholera occurrences.
The emergence of Namibia’s first cholera case in a decade signifies a pressing public health challenge, particularly as it follows severe outbreaks in neighboring Angola. Although the individual has recovered, this incident highlights the need for enhanced health responses and systems in Namibia. The rising global cholera death toll, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, further underscores the urgency for improved sanitation and health measures.
Original Source: punchng.com
