Namibia Confirms Mpox Outbreak Following First Case in Swakopmund

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has officially declared an outbreak of Mpox in Namibia after confirming the country’s first case in Swakopmund, Erongo Region, on 18 October 2025.

The patient is currently in stable condition and receiving treatment in isolation at Swakopmund District Hospital, according to health authorities.

Initial investigations suggest the case may be linked to recent cross-border travel within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. In line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, a single confirmed case is sufficient to declare an outbreak, triggering Namibia’s emergency response protocols.

The MoHSS has activated its surveillance systems to track and monitor potential additional cases and has begun contact tracing around the confirmed patient to contain further transmission. The public has been assured that the situation is under control.

Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by an orthopoxvirus and presents symptoms similar to smallpox. The current outbreak adds to rising concerns across the continent, with countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania also reporting ongoing cases.

Typical Mpox symptoms appear between 5 and 21 days after exposure and include:

Fever

Severe headache

Swollen lymph nodes

Muscle pain

A rash that develops into blisters

The rash often begins on the face, palms, and soles but can also affect the mouth, genitals, and eyes. Symptoms typically last two to four weeks, during which the virus is contagious.

Transmission primarily occurs through:

Direct contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids

Face-to-face interaction (e.g., breathing, talking)

Intimate skin-to-skin contact

Mouth-to-mouth contact

Contact with contaminated objects or surfaces

The MoHSS has urged the public to take preventative measures, including isolating infected individuals, practicing regular hand hygiene, avoiding contact with contaminated materials, and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when providing care.

To support the national response, the ministry has deployed essential resources and personnel to the affected region. Authorities are also urging citizens to avoid misinformation, which could cause unnecessary panic or discrimination.

“The cooperation of the public is vital in managing this outbreak,” the ministry said in a statement. “We encourage people to stay informed through official channels and to report any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility.”

Updates on the Mpox outbreak will continue to be shared as more information becomes available. The health and safety of all Namibians remains the government’s top priority.

ALSO READ : Chinhoyi Man Dies After Consuming Five Bottles of Illicit Alcohol