Congo Fever outbreak contained: Shangula

• By Uaueza Kanguatjivi

HEALTH minister, Kalumbi Shangula says the country has successfully contained the outbreak of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), which was declared on 22 May.

The outbreak led to one verified death, but no new cases have been discovered.

The minister said in considering the fever contained, no new cases were identified for a period equal to double the incubation period, 28 days following the last potential exposure.

“As of June 15, which marked day 28 following the confirmed case’s demise, no additional cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever were reported in Namibia. This period is considered the last day of possible exposure, and with no new cases identified, the ministry officially declared the outbreak’s end.

“Several public health actions have been implemented in response to the outbreak. These include the formation of health emergency management committees for the Khomas and Omaheke Regions, the tracing and monitoring of 56 high-risk contacts, the assessment of possible tick infestations in livestock to facilitate effective tick control measures by veterinary services, and the raising of awareness and education about proper animal handling on 17 farms in the Omaheke Region.

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