Namibia: Hepatitis E outbreak continues nationwide /update 5

Event

According to health officials, at least 3835 hepatitis E cases, including 33 fatal cases, have been reported nationwide in Namibia between December 2017 and early December 2018. The most affected area remains the capital city of Windhoek.

Context

Hepatitis E is transmitted via contaminated food and water. Although the infection generally goes away on its own within two to six weeks, it can worsen and develop into fulminant hepatitis (especially among pregnant women), which can be fatal. Symptoms of the disease include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, itching, rash, or joint pain. In some cases, jaundice or hypertrophy of the liver may occur.

Advice

Individuals in Windhoek, and elsewhere in Namibia, are advised to drink only bottled or purified water and to avoid foods that cannot be thoroughly cooked, peeled, or disinfected.