Namibia: recent disease outbreaks
Sources checked
Recent reports
Foot-and-mouth disease (livestock) — Karasburg (//Kharas) and new detection in Zambezi
A confirmed outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was announced in the Karasburg State Veterinary District (//Kharas Region) in late September 2026 and the zone’s WOAH-recognised FMD-free status was suspended with effect from 22 September 2026; the virus has been typed as serotype SAT1 and, by mid-October, official briefings reported the outbreak confined to Karasburg with additional detections reported in the Zambezi Region in early October. WOAH: foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) notice and national Veterinary Public Notifications and dashboard updates from Namibia’s government and local monitoring groups describe movement controls, veterinary checkpoints, ring vaccination campaigns (compulsory vaccination in parts of Karasburg from 14 October), construction of containment fencing and temporary restrictions on cloven-hoofed animal movements and some exports. FMD Support Fund / response dashboard (compilation of official notices). Why it matters to travellers: FMD is an animal disease (not a human food-safety risk) but measures include roadside veterinary checks, checkpoints and tightened controls on meat and live‑animal movements that can affect cross-border travel, vehicle inspections and the availability/movement of fresh meat and animal products in affected areas; follow local veterinary signage and do not move animal products from control zones. Namibia Ministry (document library listing of Veterinary Public Notifications).
Malaria surge in 2026 — especially Zambezi and northern regions
Namibia’s health ministry reported a sharp increase in malaria cases in 2026, with reporting in early September noting roughly 122,612 confirmed cases and 122 deaths year-to-date, and plans for intensified control including an indoor residual spraying campaign targeting about 1.2 million households in high‑transmission districts (Kavango, Zambezi and other northern regions). The Namibian: Malaria cases and IRS campaign (6 Sep 2026). Why it matters to travellers: parts of northern and north‑eastern Namibia (including Zambezi, Kavango, Kunene and other districts) have elevated seasonal or year‑round transmission — travelers to these areas should consult current malaria prevention guidance and antimalarial recommendations from national or travel‑medicine authorities before travel. CDC travel health: Namibia (malaria and vaccine info).
Diarrhoeal illness spike — Zambezi Region (August–September 2026)
Local public-health reports documented a rapid rise in diarrhoea cases in Zambezi in late August 2026 (reported rise from ~1,146 to ~6,960 cases during 24–30 Aug) with multiple child admissions and fatalities reported; authorities cited poor sanitation, unsafe water storage and low rotavirus vaccination coverage and implemented community-level health education, triage and provision of oral rehydration solutions. The Namibian: Zambezi diarrhoea outbreak (13 Sep 2026). Why it matters to travellers: visitors to the Zambezi region should take standard safe‑food and water precautions (boil or use treated water, practise hand hygiene) and seek prompt medical care for severe vomiting or watery diarrhoea; local health services prioritise children and vulnerable patients during surges.
Rabies detected in Cape fur seals — coastal sites (Erongo, Walvis Bay / Pelican Point and other colonies)
Ongoing investigations and testing have confirmed rabies in Cape fur seals along the Namibian coast, with multiple seal cases and a number of human exposure incidents reported since mid‑2025; national and WOAH statements note sustained transmission in seal colonies and warn of aggressive, abnormal seal behaviour. WOAH statement on rabies in Cape fur seals (17 Jul 2026) and local reporting on exposures and health‑system readiness. The Namibian: seal rabies and human exposures (10 Sep 2026). Why it matters to travellers: avoid approaching or touching seals and other wild mammals at beaches and viewing sites, do not feed or attempt to rescue animals, and seek immediate medical evaluation (and rabies post‑exposure prophylaxis as advised by clinicians) if bitten or scratched; public health authorities have advised occupational precautions and consideration of pre-exposure vaccination for people at occupational risk.
Measles activity reported in WHO regional surveillance
Regional WHO bulletins and Africa‑region surveillance have included Namibia among countries reporting measles activity during September 2026; published weekly bulletins list “Measles in Namibia” as a topic and country surveillance dashboards show measles notifications in 2026. WHO AFRO weekly bulletin (Week 37, 7–13 Sep 2026). Why it matters to travellers: measles is highly infectious — ensure routine MMR vaccination is up to date before travel; official travel‑health guidance recommends vaccination for unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated travelers. CDC travel health: measles and vaccination.
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) — localized school cluster, Hardap / Rehoboth
A cluster of HFMD was reported among pupils at J & W Mouton Primary School near Rehoboth (Hardap region) in mid‑October 2026; health and education authorities instructed affected children to isolate and clarified that HFMD (a childhood viral illness) is unrelated to livestock FMD. New Era report (via local archive) and ministry notices (15 Oct 2026). Why it matters to travellers: this is a localized childhood illness outbreak — visitors with young children or who plan to attend school events should follow local public‑health guidance on exclusion and hygiene, and avoid contact with symptomatic children until cleared by health staff.
This page is a snapshot of reports and official notices published or substantively updated during the 90 days ending 27 October 2026. Conditions and control measures can change rapidly; check Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Directorate of Veterinary Services / Ministry of Agriculture, WHO Africa and your national travel‑health authority for up‑to‑date guidance before and during travel.