Health ministry confirms 54 swine flu cases

Namibia’s health ministry has confirmed 54 cases of swine flu (H1N1) from 190 suspected cases. In a statement released on Wednesday, the ministry highlighted that the central Otjozundjupa region and the area around the capital, Windhoek, are the most affected, each reporting 24 positive cases.

According to the health ministry, the confirmed cases were distributed as follows:

• Otjozondjupa region: 24 positive cases out of 37 suspected
• Khomas region (Windhoek): 24 positive cases out of 138 suspected
• Kavango East: 6 positive cases out of 15 suspected

The cases have been reported from July 2022 to the present, with some individuals also being tested for COVID-19, all of whom tested negative.

H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu, is an acute viral respiratory infection in humans. It is typically characterized by symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and other flu-like signs.

Namibia previously faced a significant swine flu outbreak between 2009 and 2010, which resulted in over 8,000 suspected cases. During that outbreak, 102 cases tested positive, and one fatality was recorded.

The health ministry has identified children, elderly individuals, and pregnant women as high-risk groups for swine flu.