The Ministry of Health and Social Services of Namibia has declared an outbreak of mpox following the confirmation of the first case in Swakopmund, Erongo Region, on October 18, 2025.
The patient, currently receiving treatment at Swakopmund District Hospital, is stable and isolated, undergoing comprehensive medical care. In response to the outbreak, MoHSS has mobilised necessary resources and urged public cooperation. Citizens are encouraged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, which could cause unnecessary panic or stigma toward affected individuals and their families.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the transmission may be linked to cross-border travel within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. In line with World Health Organization (WHO) protocols, even a single confirmed case triggers the declaration of an outbreak and an immediate public health response.
MoHSS has reassured the public that Namibia’s surveillance system is prepared to identify and monitor individuals exhibiting mpox symptoms. Authorities in the Erongo region are actively tracing the patient’s contacts to prevent further spread.
Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by an orthopoxvirus, producing smallpox-like symptoms in humans. This outbreak aligns with a broader regional trend, as countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania are reporting active mpox cases.
Symptoms of mpox typically appear 5 to 21 days after exposure and can include – Fever, Intense headache, Swollen lymph nodes, Muscle aches
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