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

WINDHOEK, 08 March 2026 - President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah pictured with Ethiopian Airlines Captain Tigist Kibret during an event to mark 2026 International Women’s Day. (Photo by: Andreas Thomas) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 08 March 2026 - President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah pictured with Ethiopian Airlines Captain Tigist Kibret during an event to mark 2026 International Women’s Day. (Photo by: Andreas Thomas) NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 07 March 2026 - Vice President Lucia Witbooi during her address at Women’s World Day of Prayer. (Photo: Contributed)

WINDHOEK, 07 March 2026 - Vice President Lucia Witbooi during her address at Women’s World Day of Prayer. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 07 March 2026 - Sankwasa Mubita receiving the medal of honour from Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Minister Lucia Iipumbu  in memory of his late cousin, Sergeant Eustece Simasiku Matengu

WINDHOEK, 07 March 2026 - Sankwasa Mubita receiving the medal of honour from Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Minister Lucia Iipumbu in memory of his late cousin, Sergeant Eustece Simasiku Matengu

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 07 March 2026 - Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu with Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo during the INTERPOL Blue Day. (Photo by: Andreas Thomas) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 07 March 2026 - Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu with Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo during the INTERPOL Blue Day. (Photo by: Andreas Thomas) NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 03 March 2026 -  Proflight Zambia’s airplane arriving in Windhoek for the inauguration. (Photo: by Justina Shuumbwa) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 03 March 2026 - Proflight Zambia’s airplane arriving in Windhoek for the inauguration. (Photo: by Justina Shuumbwa) NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 03 March 2026 -  Proflight Zambia’s airplane arriving in Windhoek for the inauguration. (Photo: by Justina Shuumbwa) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 03 March 2026 - Proflight Zambia’s airplane arriving in Windhoek for the inauguration. (Photo: by Justina Shuumbwa) NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 03 March 2026 - Hilaria Mukapuli, chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Budget and Finance speaking at the Analysis of the National Budget workshop. (Photo by: Andreas Thomas) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 03 March 2026 - Hilaria Mukapuli, chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Budget and Finance speaking at the Analysis of the National Budget workshop. (Photo by: Andreas Thomas) NAMPA

NAMPA
NKURENKURU, 03 March 2026 - The Nkurenkuru Vocational Training Centre officially opened its first trainee intake, on Tuesday, signalling a step to grow skills and jobs in Kavango West. (Photo by: Lylie Joel) NAMPA

NKURENKURU, 03 March 2026 - The Nkurenkuru Vocational Training Centre officially opened its first trainee intake, on Tuesday, signalling a step to grow skills and jobs in Kavango West. (Photo by: Lylie Joel) NAMPA

NAMPA