Swakopmund: Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has declared an official outbreak of Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) in the coastal city of Swakopmund, prompting an urgent public health response. The announcement was made on Sunday through the ministry’s official social media channels, following the detection of confirmed cases in the Erongo region.
The Ministry stated that disease surveillance and contact-tracing teams have been deployed in Swakopmund to contain the spread of the virus. Emergency response mechanisms, including isolation of suspected cases, community awareness campaigns, and rapid diagnostic testing, have also been initiated. Health officials are currently tracing all possible contacts linked to confirmed cases to prevent further transmission.
While the ministry did not immediately disclose the exact number of confirmed or suspected cases, officials reassured the public that containment measures are already underway. “Our teams are monitoring the situation closely, and we urge citizens to remain calm but vigilant,” the statement read.
Mpox, a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, is a zoonotic infection transmitted primarily through close contact with infected individuals or animals. The disease, which causes fever, rashes, and lesions, gained global attention in 2022 when outbreaks were reported in over 100 countries. Though most cases are mild, severe infections can occur among immunocompromised individuals.
Health experts warn that the Swakopmund outbreak underscores the persistent threat of Mpox in Africa, where sporadic flare-ups continue to challenge public health systems. Namibia’s confirmation follows similar cases in neighbouring regions earlier this year, raising regional concerns about cross-border infections.
Swakopmund, a major tourism and logistics hub on Namibia’s Atlantic coast, presents unique challenges for containment due to high population mobility. Health authorities are coordinating with local clinics, private hospitals, and community leaders to increase public awareness and ensure that any suspected cases are reported promptly.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) are expected to assist Namibia in bolstering its testing capacity and surveillance measures. Regional cooperation will be crucial, experts say, to prevent the spread of Mpox beyond the Erongo region.
Namibia’s Health Minister urged citizens to take preventive measures seriously, such as avoiding direct contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms, maintaining proper hygiene, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.
Public health officials emphasized that stigma and misinformation can hinder outbreak control efforts. “This is not a disease of any particular group it can affect anyone through close contact,” the ministry clarified, echoing WHO’s global messaging on Mpox.
The declaration of the outbreak represents a significant test for Namibia’s disease surveillance and emergency preparedness infrastructure. The country has faced multiple health crises in recent years, including COVID-19 and regional cholera scares. Officials say that lessons learned from those experiences have strengthened Namibia’s ability to respond quickly and effectively.
As Swakopmund braces for intensified monitoring and health interventions, authorities have reassured the public that the situation remains under control and that further updates will be issued as investigations continue.