Nineteen hospitalised with suspected food poisoning at Rundu State Hospital

NAMPA
2025-01-18
The Namibian Police Force logo The Namibian Police Force logo
NKURENKURU, 18 JAN (NAMPA) - Nineteen people were rushed to the Rundu State Hospital with suspected food poisoning on Friday shortly after consuming oshikundu.
The Namibian Police Force’s Regional Commander for Kavango West, Commissioner Julia Sakuwa-Neo, said the incident occurred around 11h00 at Mavanze village.
The 19 people, all from one household, began experiencing symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea shortly after consuming the traditional drink, which was prepared using drought relief maize meal reportedly infested with small insects.
Among those affected was a pensioner who was admitted to the intensive care unit in critical condition, but who is believed to be recovering. The others were reported to be in stable condition.
Sakuwa-Neo emphasised that there is no suspicion of foul play, as the woman who prepared the oshikundu also fell ill.
Staff at the hospital collected a sample of the oshikundu for further analysis.
(NAMPA)
JLN/AS

Latest NAMPA photos

OMATJETE, 15 June 2026 - The Namibia Traffic Information System (NaTIS) on Wheels initiative was launched at Omatjete. The initiative aims to bring essential public services directly to remote and underserved communities, reducing the burden on residents who have traditionally travelled long distances to access government services. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

OMATJETE, 15 June 2026 - The Namibia Traffic Information System (NaTIS) on Wheels initiative was launched at Omatjete. The initiative aims to bring essential public services directly to remote and underserved communities, reducing the burden on residents who have traditionally travelled long distances to access government services. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 13 June 2026 - Trustco United players while in action against Gootfontein during round six of the 2026 NRU Rugby Premier League at the Trustco United Sports Ground in Olympia. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 13 June 2026 - Trustco United players while in action against Gootfontein during round six of the 2026 NRU Rugby Premier League at the Trustco United Sports Ground in Olympia. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 13 June 2026 - Trustco United players while in action against Gootfontein during round six of the 2026 NRU Rugby Premier League at the Trustco United Sports Ground in Olympia. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 13 June 2026 - Trustco United players while in action against Gootfontein during round six of the 2026 NRU Rugby Premier League at the Trustco United Sports Ground in Olympia. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 13 June 2026 - Trustco United players while in action against Gootfontein during round six of the 2026 NRU Rugby Premier League at the Trustco United Sports Ground in Olympia. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 13 June 2026 - Trustco United players while in action against Gootfontein during round six of the 2026 NRU Rugby Premier League at the Trustco United Sports Ground in Olympia. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA
OKAHANDJA, 14 June 2026 - President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah attended the Ovambanderu commemoration marking 130 years since the death of Ombara Kahimemua Nguvauva, who was killed by German colonial forces at Okahandja in the Otjozondjupa Region, on Sunday. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

OKAHANDJA, 14 June 2026 - President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah attended the Ovambanderu commemoration marking 130 years since the death of Ombara Kahimemua Nguvauva, who was killed by German colonial forces at Okahandja in the Otjozondjupa Region, on Sunday. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA
OKAHANDJA, 14 June 2026 - President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah attended the Ovambanderu commemoration marking 130 years since the death of Ombara Kahimemua Nguvauva, who was killed by German colonial forces at Okahandja in the Otjozondjupa Region, on Sunday. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

OKAHANDJA, 14 June 2026 - President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah attended the Ovambanderu commemoration marking 130 years since the death of Ombara Kahimemua Nguvauva, who was killed by German colonial forces at Okahandja in the Otjozondjupa Region, on Sunday. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 13 June 2026 - Learners from Delta Secondary School emerged as the winners of Round One of the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Zonal Quiz 1. (Photo by: Molly Weyulu) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 13 June 2026 - Learners from Delta Secondary School emerged as the winners of Round One of the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Zonal Quiz 1. (Photo by: Molly Weyulu) NAMPA

NAMPA
MARIENTAL, 14 June 2026 - Hardap Swapo Party regional coordinator Riaan McNab addresses a meeting of Swapo regional and local authority councillors, who gathered in Mariental on Sunday. (Photo by: Joe-Chintha Garises) NAMPA

MARIENTAL, 14 June 2026 - Hardap Swapo Party regional coordinator Riaan McNab addresses a meeting of Swapo regional and local authority councillors, who gathered in Mariental on Sunday. (Photo by: Joe-Chintha Garises) NAMPA

NAMPA