By William Mbangula OSHAKATI The suspected cholera outbreak in Ohangwena region resulted in the postponement of Workers Day celebration under the National Union of the Namibian Workers (NUNW) at Oshikango last week. The NUNW Deputy Secretary-General, Tadeus Erago, confirmed this in an interview with New Era. He said the umbrella union was scheduled to stage a public rally at the border town, but the plan was shelved due to fears of a cholera outbreak. He said: “We were advised by the health authorities that it is not good to gather many people at one place because it may result in the communicable disease spreading among the people. “On this basis, we cancelled all the activities in the region as part of enforcing precautionary measures from the health authorities. Ohangwena Health Director, Elobby Amundaba, confirmed the precautionary measures relayed not only to the union leaders but also to other people in the affected areas to avoid unhygienic conditions. Amundaba confirmed the prevalence of the disease in his region in and around Ohangwena, Endola and Oshikango constituencies. The villages under threat are Onhuno, Onaame, Ouhongo, Onamhinda, Okanghudi, Onengali, Olunghono, Omatunda, Omuloka, Omafo, Omalyata, Okatope, Oshimumu, Okadila, Oitando, Ongha, Onandova, Enghandja, Onamahoka, Okakwa, Odibo, Etale, Omutwewoshimbungu, Omhedi, Ouhongo, Oimbadalunga and others. As part of the emergency management measures, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has put up temporary health facilities at Okatope, which could serve as a quarantine to keep away any potential risks of infections. Amundaba said 280 cases were reported from April 3 to 22, of which 27 were confirmed cholera incidents. About 53 people were admitted to hospital, seven of whom have since passed away. He is expecting an increase in cholera cases. No single case of suspected cholera was recorded in the Omusati Region, according to the acting Director of Health, Helen Shifotoka. New Era also confirmed with the acting Director of Health in Oshana, Karin Toivo, who said her region is also considered a cholera-free zone at the moment. Cholera causes intestinal infections and is mainly transmitted through contaminated water and food.