WINDHOEK, Oct. 21 (AGCNewsNet) — Namibia’s Health Ministry has confirmed the country’s first case of Mpox, prompting authorities to declare an outbreak in line with World Health Organization (WHO) protocols.

The case was detected in Swakopmund on Saturday, with the patient testing positive on October 18. Health officials report that the individual is in stable condition and currently isolated at the Swakopmund District Hospital.

According to the Health Ministry, the confirmation automatically qualifies as an outbreak under WHO standards, which require member states to take precautionary measures even for a single confirmed case. Preliminary investigations suggest a possible link to cross-border travel within the Southern African region.

Authorities in Erongo Region have begun contact tracing and active monitoring to prevent further spread. The ministry has also reassured citizens that isolation facilities and response teams are fully prepared to manage potential cases.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease similar to smallpox. It spreads through direct skin contact, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials such as bedding and clothing. Symptoms typically include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a blister-like rash.

The latest confirmation places Namibia among 17 African nations currently grappling with Mpox outbreaks, including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). So far this year, the African continent has recorded over 118,000 cases, already surpassing last year’s total.

Health officials continue to urge citizens to report suspected symptoms early, avoid contact with infected individuals, and maintain strict hygiene practices to curb transmission.

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