The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reported that Ghana is no longer battling the Lassa fever outbreak.
This comes after the maximum follow-up period of 42 days elapsed since the last case of Lassa fever was discharged.
Ghana declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following the confirmation of two cases in the Greater Accra Region on February 24, 2023.
Twenty-five additional cases were recorded between February 24 and March 1, 2023, which brought the total cases to 27.
Unfortunately, one of the victims passed away.
All of the identified contacts including healthcare workers were self-quarantined.
All the confirmed cases were managed by the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre.
A total of 237 contacts were identified and follower up for the maximum incubation period of 21 days.
Also, active surveillance resulted in the identification of 30 suspected cases of which two were Lassa fever.
According to the GHS, the last victim of Lassa fever was discharged on March 10, 2023, indicating the end of the outbreak.
Meanwhile, the Service is urging the public to avoid contact with wildlife, especially rats to reduce the risk of disease spread.
Also, the public is entreated to store left over foods appropriately, improve cleanliness in homes, undertake regular hand washing after visiting patients in health facilities, after using the toilet among others.
Source: The Independent Ghana