Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The ministry of health and social services (MoHSS) has declared a measles outbreak in Opuwo District, Kunene Region.
As of 12 September 2025, 20 suspected cases were reported, with 10 confirmed positive.
All patients are in stable condition, and no deaths have been recorded. Under national guidelines, two confirmed cases out of five suspected cases are enough to declare an outbreak.
“Measles is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects children, but unvaccinated teenagers and adults are also at risk. The outbreak in Opuwo highlights the need for vaccination,” said health minister Esperance Luvindao.
Measles symptoms usually appear 10 to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash. Small white spots inside the cheeks are also common.
Complications can lead to blindness, brain swelling, severe diarrhoea, ear infections, and pneumonia.
“Most of the confirmed cases in Opuwo were not vaccinated. This underscores the importance of routine childhood immunisations to prevent serious illness and death,” Luvindao said.
In response, the ministry has launched a vaccination campaign in areas where cases were found, targeting children aged six months to 15 years.
By 12 September, 1 525 children had been vaccinated.
The campaign will expand to the entire Opuwo District from 17 September to 3 October, with a target of over 28 000 children.
The ministry has also intensified public awareness campaigns and strengthened surveillance to detect new cases quickly.
Luvindao called on families to support the effort.
“We call on parents and caregivers to take all eligible children for vaccination and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear,” she said.
