Warden Message

Meningitis in the Northern Part of Namibia

September 7, 2007

Approximately 15 cases of bacterial meningitis have been reported in the northern part of Namibia.  Cases have been reported from villages in the Eengodi constituency (Onamakulikwa, Ohambala, Onkumbula, Oshashipepe and Omakunde villages) of the Oshikoto Region.  Additional cases have also been reported in the Caprivi region (Onandjokwe).  The Ministry of Health and Social Services has not reported any further cases. 

Bacterial meningitis is a contagious disease that can have serious, even fatal, consequences if not treated appropriately. Bacterial meningitis may be contagious, and the bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e., coughing, kissing).  American citizens planning travel to the Oshikoto or Caprivi regions should be aware of the symptoms of this disease such as high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, and / or vomiting.  If you travel to those regions and come in close contact (within 5 feet of ill persons) with patients with bacterial meningitis or if you develop any of the symptoms described at the CDC website, seek immediate medical attention to determine whether antibiotic treatment and / or vaccination might be needed.  Information about meningitis may be found at the website for the Centers for Disease Control at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh4-Menin.aspx  and  http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningococcal_g.htm#What is meningitis.   To obtain CDC travel notices, you may dial the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) from within the U.S., and at 1-404-639-3534 from overseas, or visit their website at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION:  Americans living or traveling in Namibia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Namibia.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy is located 14 Lossen Street, Ausspannplatz, Windhoek, telephone (264-61) 295-8500, fax (264-61) 295-8603.  You can reach the Consular Section at extension 8551; i.e., (264-61) 295-8551 or via e-mail consularwindho@state.gov.  The mailing address for the Embassy is Private Bag 12029, Windhoek, Namibia.  The U.S. Embassy Windhoek website is: http://windhoek.usembassy.gov/.