The ministry of health has confirmed a case of cholera in the Kunene region.

The ministry’s executive director, Ben Nangombe, in a statement on Tuesday said a 55-year-old woman was admitted to the Opuwo District Hospital after experiencing watery diarrhea for two days.

The patient received appropriate treatment as per established guidelines following her admission.

“A stool sample was collected last Monday and sent for laboratory testing. The outcome confirmed a positive result for cholera (Vibrio cholerae, 01 antigen) on Monday,” Nangombe said.

He added that the patient has since recovered, and was discharged in a stable condition. The ministry emphasised that robust public health measures are in place to manage the situation effectively.

Preliminary investigations have indicated that the patient has no recent travel history outside the country, nor any known contact with individuals from abroad.

Furthermore, there is no record of the patient attending public gatherings or events such as funerals, weddings or birthday parties, which may have contributed to potential transmission.

Nangombe said according to the protocols of the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the World Health Organisation, one laboratory-confirmed cholera case with evidence of local transmission is considered an outbreak, and requires immediate public health interventions to prevent further transmission.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from panic.

“We encourage cooperation with public health officials and adherence to the control measures that have been established,” he added. Individuals presenting with symptoms related to cholera are advised to seek immediate medical help at their nearest health facility.

-Nampa