GHS declares outbreak of dengue fever, confirms 9 cases in Eastern Region

The Ghana health service has confirmed nine cases of Dengue fever in the Eastern region.

The service in a statement signed by the Director General of Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kumah- Aboagye said the National Surveillance System detected unusual cases of malaria-like illness in some districts of the Eastern Region.

These cases were not responding to recommended antimalarial treatment regimens, and were therefore, managed as acute febrile illness.

Samples from patients were sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) for testing which confirmed positive for Dengue fever.

The nine cases which have been confirmed as Dengue are being managed as non-severe cases at home.

Following the development, a team from the national level made up of Entomologists and Epidemiologists have joined the regional team to undertake a detailed outbreak investigation.

About Dengue fever disease

Dengue is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. Most people who get dengue will not have symptoms. But for those who do, the most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash.

Most will get better in 1-2 weeks. Some people develop severe dengue, which can include bleeding and require hospital care. In severe cases, dengue can be fatal.

Preparedness measures and actions being undertaken

* A National Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) meeting has been held.

* Alerts have been sent to all Regions and Districts to enhance surveillance for early detection, to sensitize health staff and provide public awareness.

* An enhanced surveillance has been initiated

* Public education on signs and symptoms and prevention is ongoing

* Entomological Assessment in the affected areas is being undertaken

Treatment of Dengue

Treatment is mainly supportive care with re-hydration (lots of fluids), pain relief, a lot of rest and other measures. There is no specific medicine for its treatment.

How does it spread

The spread of Dengue is through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.

Preventive meausres

Avoid and protect against mosquito bites. Dengue transmitting mosquitoes bite during the daytime.

Individuals must protect themselves from mosquito bites by doing the following:

* Wear full sleeve clothes and long dresses to cover the limbs

Use of mosquito repellent is helpful.

* Use of insecticide treated mosquito nets – to protect babies, old people and others, who may rest during the day.

* Cover and drain water from coolers, tanks, barrels, drums and buckets etc.

* Remove all objects that have collected water from the house

* All stored water containers should always be kept covered.

The public is urged to avoid self-medication as health authority’s work with their Partners to contain the outbreak and limit the impact.

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