Namibia’s Minister of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao, has confirmed an outbreak of the deadly Crimean‑Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in the country. The declaration follows a laboratory‑confirmed case of a patient admitted to a health facility in Windhoek on 18 November with symptoms consistent with CCHF; the patient subsequently died. According to the World Health Organization, a single laboratory‑confirmed case meets the threshold for declaring an outbreak, given the disease’s high fatality rate and potential for rapid spread. While the public is urged not to panic, the ministry is implementing measures to contain the virus.
CCHF is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever primarily transmitted through bites from infected ticks, especially those of the Hyalomma species. Transmission can also occur via contact with infected livestock, contaminated animal blood or tissue during slaughtering and butchering, and human‑to‑human contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Namibia has experienced previous CCHF outbreaks, with seven infections and four deaths reported between 2016 and 2023, resulting in a fatality rate of 57 %.
Symptoms often begin suddenly and may include fever, muscle pain, dizziness, headache, sore eyes, and sensitivity to light. In severe cases, patients can develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bleeding, and organ failure. Because there is no vaccine or specific cure for CCHF, early diagnosis and intensive supportive care are essential for improving survival rates.
The ministry advises the public—particularly farmers, livestock workers, and residents of tick‑infested areas—to take heightened precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and regularly checking for ticks after outdoor activities. To prevent person‑to‑person transmission, individuals should avoid close contact with suspected or confirmed CCHF cases, practice strict hand hygiene, and use protective equipment when caring for sick persons or handling bodily fluids.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, working with partners to strengthen surveillance and ensure health facilities are fully prepared. Anyone experiencing symptoms, especially after a tick bite or close contact with animals, is urged to seek immediate medical attention. The ministry will provide further updates as the situation evolves, emphasizing the importance of prompt action to contain the disease.
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