The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) of Namibia has declared an outbreak of Mpox following the confirmation of the first case in Swakopmund, Erongo Region, on 18 October 2025.

The patient, who is being treated at the Swakopmund District Hospital, is stable and currently isolated, undergoing comprehensive medical care.

The preliminary investigation into the outbreak has indicated that this transmission may be linked to cross-border travel within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. In accordance with World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols, the detection of even a single confirmed case necessitates the declaration of an outbreak, prompting health authorities to launch an immediate response.

The MoHSS has assured the Namibian public that the country’s robust surveillance system is primed to identify and monitor individuals exhibiting signs of mpox. Additional cases are being actively sought, while health authorities in the Erongo region are closely monitoring the patient’s immediate contacts to prevent further spread of the virus.

Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by an orthopox virus, resulting in smallpox-like symptoms in humans. This outbreak follows a concerning trend, as multiple countries within Africa, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania, are reporting active mpox cases.

Mpox symptoms typically manifest after an incubation period ranging from 5 to 21 days and can include:

• Fever
• Intense headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle aches
• A rash that develops into blisters

The rash often appears on the face, palms, and soles of the feet, and can also affect the mouth, genitals, and eyes. Symptoms generally last from two to four weeks, during which the infected individuals are capable of transmitting the virus to others.

Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with respiratory secretions, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of an infected person. The MoHSS outlines several potential avenues for transmission, including:

• Face-to-face interaction (talking or breathing)
• Skin-to-skin contact (such as during intimate relations)
• Mouth-to-mouth contact (kissing)
• Direct contact with contaminated objects

As mpox can affect anyone regardless of demographic, the MoHSS urges the public to take preventive measures. These include:

• Isolating infected individuals from at-risk populations
• Practicing good hand hygiene following contact with infected individuals
• Avoiding direct contact with materials contaminated by infected persons
• Utilising appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients

In light of this outbreak, the MoHSS has mobilised necessary resources to respond effectively, emphasising the importance of public cooperation. Citizens are encouraged to remain calm and to refrain from spreading unverified information, which could instigate unnecessary panic or stigma towards affected individuals and their families.

As Namibian health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, ongoing updates will be provided to keep the public informed. The health and well-being of all citizens remain a top priority for the government and health authorities.

IOL News 

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