Grootfontein: Otjozondjupa Health Director, Gerbhado Timotheus, has expressed concern over the increase in Cholera cases at Grootfontein. In an interview, Timotheus reported 22 confirmed positive cases and 96 suspected cases of the disease.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the first positive case of Cholera in the area was detected on November 19 last year, escalating to five cases by November 25. The outbreak originated from the Kap n Bou informal settlement, where water scarcity and open defecation were prevalent.
Timotheus noted that despite the rising number of cases, no fatalities have been recorded, and there has been no transmission to medical staff or other healthcare workers. The Kap n Bou settlement, established in 2017, is situated approximately five kilometers south of Grootfontein's central business district.
Grootfontein's Senior Medical Officer, Dr. Martinus Shaninga, explained that Cholera is a diarrheal infectious disease caused by bacteria from contaminated water sources. The disease has spread to various locations, including the Juliana government farm, located 70 kilometers north of Grootfontein. Dr. Shaninga stated that all positive cases have been treated and discharged, with only two patients remaining in stable condition as of Thursday.
Efforts to raise public awareness about Cholera are ongoing, with improvements in water supply at Kap n Bou, which now has five water taps and three 10,000-liter water tanks refilled by the government. An additional treatment center is planned for construction within the hospital premises next week.
Local resident Paulus Shipikita has urged the municipality to provide sufficient drinking water and to manage livestock roaming freely in the area, as they are potential carriers of the disease. Grootfontein Mayor Morits Geingob acknowledged the challenge posed by the Cholera outbreak and mentioned that the new council is in Windhoek seeking additional funds to address the situation.
The municipality plans to extend the sewage line to Kap n Bou and has issued a warning to livestock owners about upcoming measures to control animals in the area. Mayor Geingob emphasized the urgency of the situation, especially with schools reopening soon, posing a potential risk to students and the community.
Source: Namibia Press Agency