Namibia has confirmed its first case of cholera in nearly a decade, linked to a cholera outbreak in neighboring Angola that has killed at least 237 people. The affected individual has recovered, prompting calls for improved cholera response measures in the country.
Namibia has reported its first case of cholera in nearly ten years, which surfaced in a region adjacent to Angola, where a cholera outbreak has claimed at least 237 lives. This information was disclosed by Jean Kaseya, the Director General of the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC), during an online press briefing held on Thursday.
The individual affected is a 55-year-old woman from the Kunene region who exhibited symptoms of acute watery diarrhea. Fortunately, she has since recovered and been discharged from the hospital, according to reports.
The cholera epidemic in Angola, which began last year, has notably impacted the capital, Luanda, resulting in numerous fatalities. This resurgence of cholera in Namibia serves as a critical alert for the country to enhance its health systems and readiness to address potential public health crises, as emphasized by Kaseya.
In conclusion, Namibia’s first cholera case in nearly a decade marks a significant health event amid an ongoing cholera epidemic in Angola. The successful recovery of the affected individual illustrates effective health response measures, but also highlights the urgent need for Namibia to bolster its public health systems to prevent future outbreaks. The incident underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness in managing communicable diseases.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
