Swakopmund: Minister of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) Dr. Esperance Luvindao has called for calm following the confirmation of the country’s first Mpox case in the Erongo Region, assuring that measures are in place to contain the disease and prevent further spread.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Luvindao, who officiated the handover donation of a patient bus to the ministry at Swakopmund on Monday, said while the case marks Namibia’s first confirmed infection, the health ministry’s response systems are fully activated to manage the situation effectively. “What we do now will determine what happens going forward. We should not lose hope because the trajectory has shown that we are able to overcome,” she said.
She said her visit to the region also aimed to demonstrate support to the regional health team as they work to monitor and trace possible contacts of the confirmed case. The patient, who recently travelled within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, is receiving comprehensive treatment at the Swakopmund District Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. The Ministry said contact tracing and surveillance activities are ongoing to identify and monitor individuals who may have been exposed.
“We have systems in place for surveillance, monitoring, early identification, isolation, treatment, and care. Our hope is that we confine this and that it does not spread any further; however, public is urged to remain vigilant but not panic,” the minister said. She further urged citizens to familiarise themselves with the symptoms, which include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that develops into blisters and to seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of these signs.
Neighbouring Zambia has reported multiple cases since August, with authorities there intensifying health surveillance and awareness campaigns, particularly along border regions shared with Namibia. Similar preventive efforts are ongoing in Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the disease remains endemic.
Luvindao reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to respond to public health emergencies, highlighting Namibia’s success in managing other outbreaks such as malaria, cholera, and measles.