Hepatitis E hits Omusati

ANALUSHWA, 27 MAY  – Ten cases of Hepatitis E have been confirmed in the Omusati Region, while 41 people are under observation after showing symptoms of the disease.

This was disclosed to Nampa by Omusati Governor, Erginus Endjala in a telephonic interview on Sunday.
Endjala said five cases of Hepatitis E were confirmed at the Tsandi District Hospital, located near the Uukwaluudhi Royal Homestead.

Outapi State Hospital is said to have confirmed three cases, and the origin of the remaining two confirmed cases was yet to be identified.

Endjala first announced during the 2018 Omagongo Annual Cultural Festival held at the Uukwaluudhi Royal Homestead on Saturday, that the region faces an outbreak of Hepatitis E.

He told this news agency the Ministry of Health and Social Services last week dispatched a team to the region to assess the situation.

“I was informed about it (Hepatitis E outbreak) on Thursday,” Endjala replied when asked when the first case was detected.
Confirmation from the health authorities could not be immediately secured.

Earlier this year, Windhoek in the Khomas Region also experienced cases of Hepatitis E, linked to unhygienic environments and lack of proper sanitation for many residents in the city’s increasing informal settlements.

People with limited access to safe drinking water, pregnant women and immuno-compromised individuals are at high risk of contracting the virus.

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and jaundice.
NAMPA