Mystery virus kills 5 in Namibia, 17 in critical condition
An unidentified virus has killed five people in Namibia and infected another 17 who are in critical condition, the government of the south-west African country said today.
Deputy health minister Petrina Haingura said local laboratory investigations had failed to provide an answer and tests were being carried out in South Africa.
Victims suffer acute paralysis and breathing difficulties.
The first death from the virus was reported May 7 at Aranos, a small town in the south.
Most other cases have come from an impoverished township of Windhoek, the central capital, and two from north-central Otjiwarongo town.
Health teams were investigating whether those infected had had any contact, what drink or food they had taken, and other angles, officials said.
“We will only be able to know what people can do to prevent this infection after we get more details,” said Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health.
Infected patients have been isolated in a ward of Windhoek’s main hospital, while autopsies were being carried out on victims.
