Medical Research by the Noguchi Memorial Institute on February 24, 2023 has confirmed two cases of Lassa Fever in Ghana that resulted in the death of one person.
All two cases are reportedly domiciled in the capital city Accra.
A press release by the signed by Director-General, Patrick Kuma-Aboagye of the Ghana Health Service disclosed to the general public that the first case was a 40-year-old trader who was indisposed, got admitted about two weeks at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital but unfortunately died.
The second case according to GHS, which is currently on admission stemmed from contact of the fatal case but in a very stable condition.
Ghana Health Service has assured the public of identifying 56 contacts that are being followed up by the Ghana Health Service
In a letter signed by Director-General, Patrick Kuma-Aboagye noted that Public Health Emergency Management committees at all levels (National, Regions, and Districts) have been activated with detailed investigations including an environmental assessment ongoing.
Lassa fever (a viral hemorrhagic fever) is endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. GHS
Health Measures to Curtail the Spread of Lassa Fever in Ghana According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS)
The press release further highlighted certain facts about the disease, symptoms, treatment and measures to prevent the spread.
Following the notification, the underlisted public health measures have been undertaken.
- Public Health Emergency Management committees at all levels (National, Regions and Districts) have been activated.
- Detailed investigation including environmental assessment has started.
- Essential medications and logistics including Personal Protecting Equipment (PPE) are being mobilized.
- Contact tracing and management are on-going.
- Quarantine of contacts has been instituted and daily follow up by health staff is ongoing.
- Strict Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) with barrier nursing has been instituted.
- Sensitization of health staff on Lassa fever has started
- Community sensitization and education on Lassa fever are ongoing.
Brief Facts About Lassa Fever (GHS)
Lassa fever is caused by Lassa virus and the incubation period is 2-21 days. The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent (Rats, Mice) urine or faeces.
Lassa virus may also be spread between humans through direct contact with the blood, urine, faces, or other bodily fluids of a person infected with Lassa fever. Sexual transmission of Lassa virus has been reported.
Symptoms of Lassa fever (GHS)
The early symptoms of Lassa fever may include fever and general weakness.
Persons may later present with headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, and abdominal pain.
In severe cases, there maybe bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina or stomach. Death usually occurs within 14 days of onset in fatal cases.
Treatment and prophylaxis of Lassa Fever (GHS)
There is medicine (antiviral) for treatment and much effective if taken early. There is currently no vaccine that protects against Lassa fever.
Prevention and control of Lassa Fever (GHS)
Prevention relies on promoting community hygiene to discourage rodents from entering our homes.
Effective measures include storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, disposing of garbage far from the home, maintaining clean households and keeping cats.
Let us also avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons.
The Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with our partners, wishes to assure the general public that all efforts are being made to contain this outbreak and prevent further spread of the virus. (Ghana Health Service).
press release by ghs
press release
It will be of utmost importance for all to maintain good health and take precautionary measures in times like this as healthy living bread myriad advantages that cannot be quantified.
