The Ghana Health Service (GHS) is cautioning the general public against an outbreak of Dengue Fever in the country. According to the GHS, this action has become necessary after it confirmed some number of cases of Dengue fever in several districts of the Eastern Region.
Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the Director-General of GHS, announced that nine cases have been identified after laboratory testing at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR). He says that the patients exhibited symptoms of clinical malaria that did not respond to antimalarial treatments, prompting further investigation.
“The national surveillance system detected unusual cases of clinical malaria in some districts of the Eastern Region. These cases were not responding to antimalarial treatment and were therefore managed as acute febrile illnesses,” Dr. Kuma-Aboagye explained.
In a press statement, the GHS has, as parts of its line of action, deployed a team of entomologists and epidemiologists to the affected areas to conduct a detailed investigation. Regional Directors of Health Service and Chief Executive Officers of Teaching Hospitals have been instructed to communicate the situation to all health workers to enhance surveillance and ensure prompt laboratory confirmation of suspected cases.
The GHS is also urging the public to take preventive measures such as using mosquito nets, wearing appropriate clothing, and cover and drain water from coolers and tanks to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
Read below the full statement by GHS:
