Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao has announced the confirmation of a second Mpox case in Swakopmund, bringing Namibia’s total confirmed infections to two.
In a ministerial statement delivered in Parliament, Dr Luvindao said both patients are being treated in isolation at the Swakopmund District Hospital, where they are receiving comprehensive care.
“The Ministry has received reports of two confirmed Mpox cases from the Swakopmund District in the Erongo Region. The first was reported on 18 October 2025, while the second was confirmed today,” she said.
The minister also disclosed that there is a suspected third case in Rundu, Kavango East Region, which is still under laboratory investigation.
Dr Luvindao assured lawmakers that Namibia’s surveillance systems remain vigilant. “Our teams are actively monitoring individuals presenting with symptoms consistent with Mpox to ensure early detection, testing, and treatment,” she said.
She further explained that Mpox — a zoonotic viral disease — produces symptoms similar to smallpox, including fever, severe headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, and a rash that evolves into blisters before crusting over. These symptoms can last between two to four weeks, during which time infected individuals can transmit the virus to others.
Transmission occurs through close physical contact, including sexual contact, face-to-face interactions, respiratory droplets, saliva, and skin contact.
Dr Luvindao also confirmed that testing for Mpox is being conducted locally by the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP), with a 24-hour turnaround time for results.
She urged the public to remain calm but cautious, stressing the importance of early reporting and adherence to preventive health measures.
