There is an outbreak of deadly Congo Fever in Namibia. This comes after a patient who was admitted at a health facility in Windhoek with symptoms consistent with the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) tested positive for the disease. No vaccine or specific treatment exists for CCHF.

Health Minister Esperance Luvindao said even a single case requires urgent intervention because of its high fatality rate and potential for it to spread.

CCHF is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever transmitted mainly through bites from infected ticks, particularly those of the Hyalomma species. Transmission can also occur when humans come into contact with infected livestock.