Namibia declares end to Mpox and Crimean-Congo fever outbreaks

NAMIBIA—Namibia’s health ministry has officially declared the end of two significant disease outbreaks that threatened communities in different regions of the country.

Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao announced that both the mpox outbreak in the Swakopmund district and the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever outbreak in the Omaheke region have been successfully contained after months of coordinated national response efforts.

“The Ministry of Health and Social Services is pleased to officially inform the public and all stakeholders that the recent disease outbreaks in the Erongo and Omaheke regions have been successfully contained,” Dr Luvindao stated.

Mpox outbreak contained after three cases

The mpox outbreak in the Swakopmund district began on 19 October 2025, when authorities confirmed the first laboratory-confirmed case.

Health officials recorded three infections during the outbreak period, with the final case reported on 21 October.

All three patients recovered fully and left isolation facilities on 12 November 2025.

The ministry confirmed that no deaths occurred during this outbreak.

Following guidance from the World Health Organisation and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, authorities monitored the situation for 90 consecutive days without detecting new infections.

This period provided sufficient evidence that transmission had ended completely.

Fatal CCHF case prompts swift response

The Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever outbreak in Omaheke region was declared on 28 November 2025, following laboratory confirmation of a case on 21 November.

This viral disease spreads primarily through tick bites or contact with bodily fluids from infected people or livestock.

The single confirmed patient died from the disease, and trained personnel conducted a safe burial following strict safety protocols.

Health authorities explained that transmission stops after two incubation periods, totaling 28 days, pass without additional cases.

No further infections occurred after the initial case, and all identified contacts completed their monitoring periods successfully.

Comprehensive public health response

Officials credit the successful containment to rapid public health interventions across multiple fronts.

National and regional health emergency management committees activated immediately upon detection of the outbreaks.

Teams conducted extensive contact tracing and monitoring while strengthening disease surveillance systems throughout affected areas.

Additional measures included active case finding, immediate laboratory testing, and community awareness campaigns.

Health workers provided targeted education to farmers on safe animal-handling practices.

Veterinary teams conducted assessments and implemented tick control interventions to prevent further CCHF transmission.

Ongoing vigilance

Despite declaring both outbreaks over, the ministry emphasized that disease surveillance systems remain on high alert.

Health authorities committed to ensuring timely detection and prompt management of any future cases according to established guidelines.

The ministry thanked health workers, government institutions, development partners, community leaders, media outlets, and the public for their crucial roles in containing these outbreaks.