Windhoek, Dec 25
Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has raised an alert following a sharp rise in malaria cases in the country's northern regions.
The outbreak resulted in 2,210 cases reported as of December 15 and 265 severe cases, nine deaths during the period from November 4 to December 15, MoHSS Executive Director Ben Nangombe said in a statement Tuesday.
"At least 16 malaria-endemic districts have surpassed the epidemic threshold and are experiencing outbreaks," he said.
Affected districts include Eenhana, which accounted for 661 cases or 30 per cent of the total, followed by Okongo with 336 cases or 15 per cent. Other districts affected include Outapi, Engela, Nkurenkuru, Oshakati, and Omuthiya, Nangombe added.
According to Nangombe, the southern African nation experiences seasonal malaria transmission from December to April, driven by rainfall, news agency reported.
The ministry conducts indoor residual spraying and provides insecticide-treated mosquito nets to reduce infections. It also urges people to "use insect repellents, mosquito nets and to wear long-sleeved clothing to protect themselves from mosquito bites."