A team of medical officers from both Otjiwarongo and Windhoek has been dispatched to Grootfontein, where five cases of cholera have been detected.

This was confirmed this morning by Otjozondjupa Regional Health Director Timotheus Gerbardo, who stated that the cases are from the Kap and Bou informal settlements in the Blikkiesdorp location.

The victims are all female; two underwent laboratory testing, and three were tested using rapid tests.

“The teams will be deployed to Kap and Bou to conduct public health awareness campaigns on cleanliness and prevention of disease outbreaks. We need to treat this matter with seriousness. The public is therefore urged to handle food and personal hygiene carefully by washing hands with soap or sanitisers and avoiding foods prepared in unhygienic conditions. Anyone experiencing diarrhoea or knowing someone who has it should seek medical assistance immediately, as cholera can be deadly,” said Gerbardo.

He added that surveillance and healthcare teams will also prepare oral rehydration solutions for community members.

Ahead of election day tomorrow, Gerbardo warned people to exercise caution, including avoiding handshaking.

According to the World Health Organisation, cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium. It is a global public health threat, and proper access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene is essential to prevent outbreaks and other waterborne diseases.