By Emmanuel Amoah
An outbreak of Dengue Fever has been confirmed in Ghana’s Eastern Region, with nine cases reported so far.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued an alert to Regional Health Directors, urging them to enhance surveillance and ensure laboratory confirmation of all suspected malaria cases.
The cases were confirmed at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) after patients exhibited acute febrile illnesses that did not respond to antimalarial treatment.
A team of entomologists and epidemiologists has been deployed to conduct a detailed outbreak investigation.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Dengue virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes and can cause severe symptoms, including shock, bleeding, and organ impairment.
The WHO has reported over 7.6 million dengue cases globally, with 13 African countries currently experiencing ongoing transmission.
Health workers are advised to be vigilant and adhere to surveillance case definitions for Dengue Fever, which include symptoms such as headache, retro-orbital pain, and hemorrhagic manifestations.
The GHS has urged Chief Executives of Teaching Hospitals to disseminate the alert to all health workers and facilities, including mission and private establishments.
Effective vector control interventions are key to preventing and controlling dengue, and the WHO recommends targeting all areas where there is a risk of human-vector contact.
