The Eastern Region of Ghana has reported two additional cases of Dengue Fever, increasing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 11.
This development was announced by the Regional Health Director, Dr. Winfred Ofosu, at a press conference in Koforidua on Monday, July 15.
The new cases emerged from a batch of 103 samples tested at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.
Dr. Ofosu stated that the affected districts—Achiase, Akyemansa, Birim Central, Birim North, and Birim South—have seen a surge in cases due to the proliferation of mosquitoes in mining and forest areas.
“The bites are coming from mosquitoes from the forest, and now they have moved towards the communities,” he explained, attributing the rise in mosquito populations to unclaimed mining pits filled with rainwater serving as breeding sites.
In response to the outbreak, a team of entomologists and epidemiologists has joined the regional health team to conduct a detailed investigation.
While no fatalities have been reported, Dr. Ofosu emphasized the importance of supporting and treating patients promptly to prevent deaths.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and follow preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.
“The good news is that no one has died from Dengue Fever so far,” he reassured. Dengue Fever, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, poses a significant health risk, particularly in regions with high mosquito activity.
The Ghana Health Service has issued an alert on the outbreak, advising the public to take preventive actions seriously to mitigate the spread of the disease.