Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Namibia

27 Mar 2017

On the 22 March 2017 a media report advised that 2 cases on Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) have been reported in Namibia in the last two months.

The first case originated in Gobabis approximately 250km away from Okongoua village where the  second case originated. The 2 cases have no established epidemiological link which could indicate that disease is prevalent in livestock in Namibia.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) asserts that CCHF was first reported in Namibia in 1986, with 3 cases recorded. Subsequent outbreaks occurred in 1998 (1 case), 2001 (2 cases), 2002 (1 case) and 2010 (3 cases), across 5 regions (Otjozondjupa, Khomas, Omaheke, Karas, and Kavango).

Advice for Travellers

CCHF is a low risk for the average traveller; it is spread by infected ticks from a reservoir usually in animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. CCHF can also be transmitted by contact with the blood of an infected animal. Avoidance of tick bites is essential in risk areas.