Namibia is on high alert after the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency.
Executive director of health and social services Ben Nangombe has confirmed this deveploment.
The Africa CDC declared mpox a public health emergency of continental security on 13 August, and a day later, the WHO elevated the disease to a public health emergency of international concern.
Nangombe says these declarations are in response to an 80% increase in mpox cases reported in July, compared to the previous month, signalling the virus’ rapid spread beyond traditional endemic regions.
He says the surge in cases, particularly in African countries that previously reported minimal infections, has raised the alarm across the continent.
In a statement, Nangombe emphasises Namibia’s proactive stance, despite the absence of detected cases in the country.
“In Namibia, to date, our surveillance system has not detected any suspected or confirmed case of mpox. However, these declarations highlight the necessity of strengthening our public health measures for preparedness, readiness and response,” he says.
Nangombe says mpox, a zoonotic disease caused by an orthopoxvirus, has seen a significant rise in cases across Africa since January, with previously unaffected countries, such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda reporting cases since mid-July.
He says the disease, which resembles smallpox, was first identified in monkeys in 1958 and in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He says the ministry’s strategy to safeguard public health includes enhancing surveillance, engaging stakeholders and launching public health campaigns.
“The ministry is taking proactive steps to monitor and detect potential cases early, ensuring prompt response and treatment,” Nangombe says.
Namibians are urged to stay informed and vigilant, as the ministry is working to ensure the country is prepared to respond effectively to any potential mpox cases.
Nangombe urges the country to refrain from spreading misinformation.
“The mpox outbreak globally is evolving, and further investigations are ongoing to better understand the epidemiological characteristics of reported mpox transmission,” he says.
RISK FACTORS
The following people are at risk of acquiring mpox, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services:
*people engaged in intimate skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals,
- healthcare workers and those working in healthcare settings,
- people handling imported infected animals and animal products originating from mpox-endemic areas,
- those living in congested settings and
- people in prolonged close contact with someone who is infected with mpox, including sexual partners and household members.
DIAGNOSIS
The clinical diagnosis of mpox must be distinguished from other diseases causing skin rashes, such as chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, syphilis, and medication-associated allergies, the ministry says.
Mpox is characterised by enlarged lymph nodes.
A polymerase chain reaction laboratory test is the preferred method of diagnosing mpox, given its accuracy and sensitivity.
Samples or biopsies can be taken from skin lesions, including of fluid from vesicles, pustules and dry crusts.
TREATMENT
Mpox should be managed by fully treating complications and preventing long-term complications, the ministry’s statement says. Fluids and food should be provided to patients to make sure they are well nourished.
Tecovirimat, which is an antiviral drug developed for smallpox, can be used for the treatment of mpox, the ministry says.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
According to the statement, the incubation period of mpox is typically from 6 to 31 days, but can range from 5 to 21 days.
Symptoms include fever, intense headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches and a rash that appears some days after the onset of symptoms and turns into blisters and crusts over time.
The rash tends to be concentrated on the face, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet.
The mouth, genitals and eyes may also be affected.
The symptoms and skin rashes generally last for 24 weeks. During this period, a person can transmit the infection to others. Severe cases of mpox may lead to death.
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