The Ministry of Health and Social Services Declares Cholera Outbreak in Grootfontein District
By TUW
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has officially declared a cholera outbreak in the Grootfontein Health District in the Otjozondjupa Region after confirming several cases of the disease.
According to the Ministry, the first alert came on 18 November 2025, when a suspected cholera patient arrived at the Grootfontein District Hospital. Laboratory tests done by the Namibia Institute of Pathology later confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria that causes cholera.
By 24 November, six suspected cases had been recorded. Out of these, three patients tested positive and are now confirmed as cholera cases. Officials say all infections originated from an informal settlement in Grootfontein, with no recent travel history reported, meaning the transmission is local.
Health Ministerial protocols, supported by the World Health Organisation, state that a single confirmed local case is enough to declare an outbreak within a district. The Ministry says the declaration is meant to alert the public and strengthen response efforts, but stresses that there is no need for panic as cholera is treatable when detected early.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the bacteria. It is linked to poor sanitation, unsafe water and poor hygiene.
Common symptoms include severe watery diarrhoea and vomiting, which may lead to dangerous dehydration. Symptoms can start between 12 hours and five days after infection. If not treated quickly, severe dehydration can be fatal, but timely medical care can save lives.
The Ministry reassured the public that Namibia’s health system is ready to manage the outbreak. This is the second cholera outbreak the country has faced this year. In June 2025, an outbreak in the Opuwo Health District was successfully contained by August.
To respond quickly in Grootfontein, the Ministry has activated its Rapid Response Team to investigate the source of the infections, strengthen surveillance and support local health workers.
The public is urged to stay alert, practise good hygiene, use safe water, and seek medical help immediately if they experience symptoms.
