Malaria outbreak batters northern Namibia
The ministry of health announced recently that malaria cases have risen sharply in northern Namibia, with over 2,000 cases recorded nationwide so far.
The affected districts include Eenhana, Okongo, Outapi, Engela, Nkurenkuru, Oshikuku, Omuthiya, Oshakati, Onandjokwe, Tsumeb, Rundu, Okahao, Tsandi, Ncamagoro, Nyangana, and Andara. The majority of cases were reported in the Eenhana district, which accounted for 661 cases (30% of the total), followed by Okongo with 336 cases (15%).
In a press release, health ministry's executive director Ben Nangombe stated that malaria cases have been increasing significantly in most malaria-endemic regions of Namibia over the past four weeks. By December 15, 2024, a total of 2,210 malaria cases had been reported nationwide. This included 265 severe cases requiring hospital admission and nine deaths during epidemiological week 50 (November 4 to December 15, 2024).
“At least 16 malaria-endemic districts have surpassed the epidemic threshold and are experiencing outbreaks,” Nangombe said.
He explained that Namibia typically experiences seasonal malaria transmission, with peaks beginning in December and lasting until late April. Malaria cases are expected to increase further during this period due to rainfall.
“The Ministry of Health and Social Services calls on all Namibians and travelers to the northern and northeastern parts of the country to take all necessary precautions to prevent malaria infections,” Nangombe added.
Namibia shares borders with high-malaria-burden countries such as Angola. Nangombe noted that local cattle herders who cross the border from that country have been identified as a significant factor in the spread of the disease. “Cattle herders should take all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites,” he said.
Enhanced surveillance systems are in place to detect and monitor malaria cases across all regions. Malaria is a parasitic infection transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. If treatment is delayed, it can lead to severe symptoms such as fever (a primary symptom), headache, muscle or joint pain, chills and sweating, fatigue, and nausea and vomiting.
Preventative Measures
For personal protection, Nangombe advised communities to usse insect repellents, sleep under mosquito nets and wear long-sleeved clothing to protect against mosquito bites.
“Communities are also urged to eliminate standing or stagnant water and maintain clean environments around their homes to prevent mosquito breeding,” he said.
The affected districts include Eenhana, Okongo, Outapi, Engela, Nkurenkuru, Oshikuku, Omuthiya, Oshakati, Onandjokwe, Tsumeb, Rundu, Okahao, Tsandi, Ncamagoro, Nyangana, and Andara. The majority of cases were reported in the Eenhana district, which accounted for 661 cases (30% of the total), followed by Okongo with 336 cases (15%).
In a press release, health ministry's executive director Ben Nangombe stated that malaria cases have been increasing significantly in most malaria-endemic regions of Namibia over the past four weeks. By December 15, 2024, a total of 2,210 malaria cases had been reported nationwide. This included 265 severe cases requiring hospital admission and nine deaths during epidemiological week 50 (November 4 to December 15, 2024).
“At least 16 malaria-endemic districts have surpassed the epidemic threshold and are experiencing outbreaks,” Nangombe said.
He explained that Namibia typically experiences seasonal malaria transmission, with peaks beginning in December and lasting until late April. Malaria cases are expected to increase further during this period due to rainfall.
“The Ministry of Health and Social Services calls on all Namibians and travelers to the northern and northeastern parts of the country to take all necessary precautions to prevent malaria infections,” Nangombe added.
Namibia shares borders with high-malaria-burden countries such as Angola. Nangombe noted that local cattle herders who cross the border from that country have been identified as a significant factor in the spread of the disease. “Cattle herders should take all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites,” he said.
Enhanced surveillance systems are in place to detect and monitor malaria cases across all regions. Malaria is a parasitic infection transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. If treatment is delayed, it can lead to severe symptoms such as fever (a primary symptom), headache, muscle or joint pain, chills and sweating, fatigue, and nausea and vomiting.
Preventative Measures
For personal protection, Nangombe advised communities to usse insect repellents, sleep under mosquito nets and wear long-sleeved clothing to protect against mosquito bites.
“Communities are also urged to eliminate standing or stagnant water and maintain clean environments around their homes to prevent mosquito breeding,” he said.
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