Ghana Health Service Triggers Emergency Response To Contain The Outbreak of Lassa Fever

Ghana Health Service Triggers Emergency Response To Contain The Outbreak of Lassa Fever

After the confirmation of two cases of Lassa Fever in Accra, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has triggered Public Health Emergency Response at all levels to deal with the outbreak.

The two cases were confirmed after tests were conducted by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

In a statement released by the GHS, it explained that the first case was a 40-year-old trader, who was unwell for a period of about two weeks and finally died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The second case is a contact of the fatal case and is currently on admission but is very stable.

So far, 56 contacts have been identified and are being followed up by the Ghana Health Service.

In view of the emergency, the 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.

The Health Service added that essential medications and logistics including Personal Protecting Equipment are being mobilized while contact tracing and management are ongoing.

Lassa fever (a viral hemorrhagic fever) is endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.

 

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