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Tag: Dengue fever

  • Noguchi Institute confirms dengue fever cases in Oti Region

    Noguchi Institute confirms dengue fever cases in Oti Region

    The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research has confirmed two positives out of four suspected dengue fever cases sent by the Oti Regional Health Directorate to the Institute.

    A circular dubbed “Notification of the Outbreak of Dengue Fever in Oti Region,” dated August 9, 2024, and signed by Dr. David Sarpong Opong, the Acting Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, said the samples were taken during enhanced surveillance.

    It said, “The enhanced surveillance instituted by the region on dengue fever has resulted in a total of four suspected cases since the alert, and samples were taken and sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) for testing.”

    “Samples of two of the cases (both from the Kadjebi District), which were picked on July 29, 2024, have been confirmed positive for dengue fever.”

    “The confirmed cases are a 24-year-old female and a 21-year-old male, and both of them are doing well,” the statement stated.

    The statement called on all municipal and district health directors to enhance surveillance and improve risk communication efforts within their regions and health facilities. The goal is to ensure early detection and proper management of suspected cases, aiming to reduce illness and prevent deaths.

    Mr. Eric Nana Takyi, the Kadjebi District Director of Health Services, confirmed the report in a conversation with the Ghana News Agency.

    He urged residents to use treated mosquito nets, emphasizing that “dengue fever” is transmitted in the same manner as malaria, through mosquito bites, and that the symptoms are quite similar.

    Nana Takyi also advised the public to avoid self-medication and to promptly seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, high body temperature, headache, and joint pains, to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment, thus preventing fatalities.

    “Self-medication does not treat dengue fever, so residents should go to the hospital for treatment,” he said.

    He urged the upkeep of a clean environment to stop mosquitoes from breeding.

  • Suspected dengue fever cases hit 229, with 45 confirmed infections, including a health worker

    Suspected dengue fever cases hit 229, with 45 confirmed infections, including a health worker

    Dengue fever cases continue to rise in parts of the Eastern Region, with confirmed cases now reaching 45 across five districts as of July 17, 2024.

    The affected districts include Birim Central, Achiase, Akyemansa, Birim South, and Birim North.

    In total, 10 districts have reported suspected cases, including New Juaben South, Lower Manya Krobo, Fanteakwa North, Abuakwa North, and Kwaebibirem.

    On July 17, 2024, health authorities recorded 34 new positive cases, bringing the cumulative total to 229 suspected cases.

    One health worker has been infected, making up 2.2% of the total confirmed cases.

    The Eastern Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) is actively coordinating with affected districts.

    A joint outbreak investigation by national, regional, and district Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) is underway, with District Public Health Emergency Management Committees (PHEMC) activated.

    The joint Regional RRT and National Team are on the ground in affected districts to support response activities. Meetings with District Chief Executives (DCEs) and local Chiefs in Birim Central, Birim South, Achiase, and Akyemansa have been conducted to enhance local coordination.

    New districts reporting suspected cases have been instructed to activate their District PHEOCs to manage the outbreak.

    Case Definition and Surveillance

    Suspected cases are defined as individuals with acute febrile illness lasting 2-7 days with at least two of the following symptoms: headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, hemorrhagic manifestations, or leucopenia.

    Additionally, any individual confirmed for malaria who has completed a three-day course of antimalarials and is still unwell is also considered a suspected case.

    The GHS states that confirmed cases require laboratory confirmation, including positive IgM antibody, a rise in IgG antibody titers, positive PCR, or viral isolation.

    Laboratory Results

    Out of 229 cumulative suspected cases, 138 lab results have been received. Of these, 45 are positive, 93 are negative, and 91 results are still pending.

    Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, working to prevent further spread of the disease and provide necessary care to those affected.

  • Mysterious insects bites kill two in Central region – Report

    Mysterious insects bites kill two in Central region – Report

    Agona Amponsah farming community and surrounding areas in the Agona West municipality are facing a serious crisis due to an infestation of mysterious tiny insects, which has sadly resulted in the deaths of two people.

    As reported this situation has instilled fear and panic among the residents, deterring them from visiting their farms out of fear of being bitten by these insects.

    Initially, the residents suspected that the insects might be mosquitoes responsible for spreading Dengue fever. However, further examination revealed that these cases did not align with Dengue fever.

    The report describes the insects as small black flying creatures that inject poison upon biting, causing victims to feel cold within seconds.

    In response to this alarming situation, the residents have appealed to the Municipal Chief Executive of Agona West Municipality, Evans Onomah Coleman, urging immediate intervention.

    Their plea is for the municipality to carry out a fumigation exercise in the community to control and eliminate the infestation.

  • Stop self-medication – GHS warns public amid Dengue Fever outbreak

    Stop self-medication – GHS warns public amid Dengue Fever outbreak

    The Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Franklin Asiedu Bekoe, has issued a stark warning about the rising cases of Dengue Fever in Ghana, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection and proper treatment.

    In a recent interview, Dr. Bekoe cautioned the public against self-medicating if they experience symptoms such as fever, highlighting that Dengue Fever can often be mistaken for malaria.

    He urged individuals to seek medical attention promptly instead of assuming their symptoms, stating, “When you have a fever, don’t assume it is malaria and then self-medicate. Come to the hospital, we take your blood – we first find out whether it is malaria and examine the cause of the fever.”

    This advisory comes in the wake of a statement by the Ghana Health Service on July 17, confirming 36 cases of Dengue Fever within the Central and Eastern regions over the past 72 hours.

    Dr. Bekoe assured the public that most reported cases are non-severe, with patients recovering well under medical care.

    The Ghana Health Service has implemented extensive measures to curb the spread of Dengue Fever, including community awareness campaigns through information centers, radio stations, and public announcements.

    These efforts aim to educate the public about the Aedes mosquito, which spreads the virus, and promote preventive measures.

    Dengue Fever is a viral infection transmitted to humans primarily by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue poses a significant global health threat, with hundreds of millions of infections reported annually worldwide. While many infections result in mild symptoms or are asymptomatic, severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.

    Symptoms of Dengue Fever include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash.

    There is no specific treatment for Dengue Fever or severe cases (also known as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever), making early detection and supportive medical care crucial in reducing mortality rates.

    The public is advised to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, especially during the day when Aedes mosquitoes are most active.

    These preventive measures include using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and ensuring mosquito nets are properly used.

    Dr. Bekoe stressed that vigilance and prompt medical attention are essential in combating Dengue Fever outbreaks and urged the public to cooperate with health authorities to mitigate the spread of the disease.

  • Effective ways to prevent Dengue Fever

    Effective ways to prevent Dengue Fever

    The reported outbreak of dengue fever is causing concern as it spreads from the Eastern to the Central Region of the country.

    As of July 17, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has recorded a total of 36 cases.

    The GHS investigation has noted an increase in malaria-like symptoms in these regions, prompting additional samples to be sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) for confirmation.

    Out of the reported cases, only one required hospitalization and has since been discharged, with the rest managed at home.

    Dengue fever, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, presents symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe headaches (especially in the forehead), muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, and rash.

    To prevent contracting the disease, the GHS advises the public to take these preventive measures:

    1. Wear protective clothing to minimize mosquito bites.
      2. Use mosquito repellents containing DEET or Picaridin.
      3. Ensure water storage containers are covered tightly to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
      4. Empty and clean containers that are not in use to eliminate standing water.
      5. Dispose of items that can collect water, such as coconut shells and flower pots.
      6. Sleep under mosquito nets treated with insecticide to avoid nighttime mosquito bites.
  • Central Region on the alert over Dengue fever outbreak

    Central Region on the alert over Dengue fever outbreak

    Health authorities in the Central and Eastern regions are on high alert following reports of Dengue fever outbreaks.

    The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed cases in both regions, with efforts underway to investigate and manage the situation effectively.

    Dr. Franklin Asiedu Bekoe, Head of Public Health at the GHS, stressed the importance of early detection and prevention measures during a recent interview on JoyNews’ AM Show.

    He highlighted that while the exact number of cases in the Central Region is still being determined, initial samples have tested positive for Dengue fever.

    Dr. Bekoe emphasized the daytime biting habits of the Aedes mosquito, the vector responsible for transmitting Dengue, and urged residents to protect themselves by wearing clothing that covers the skin and using mosquito repellent.

    “Early detection is crucial for effective treatment,” Dr. Bekoe noted, underlining that while Dengue vaccination isn’t widely available, prompt medical attention and appropriate hospital care can significantly mitigate the severity of the illness.

    In the Eastern Region, where 11 cases have been confirmed and over 100 samples are under testing at the Noguchi Memorial Institute, measures are being intensified to curb the spread of the disease.

    Dr. John Ekow Otoo, Deputy Eastern Regional Health Director, stressed the need for community involvement in mosquito control efforts and highlighted ongoing social mobilization and communication to raise awareness about Dengue prevention.

    “We advise miners to cover excavation pits to prevent stagnant water accumulation, which can serve as mosquito breeding grounds,” Dr. Otoo advised.

    He urged individuals to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding against mosquito bites, reinforcing that community-wide efforts are critical in containing the outbreak.

  • E/R: 11 Dengue Fever cases recorded; 57 samples undergo testing

    E/R: 11 Dengue Fever cases recorded; 57 samples undergo testing

    The Eastern Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has disclosed that the number of Dengue Fever cases in the region has risen to 11, following the confirmation of two additional cases.

    This announcement comes shortly after the GHS declared an outbreak of clinical malaria, also known as Dengue Fever, in several districts of the Eastern Region on July 14.

    Initially, the outbreak was recorded in three districts and municipalities. However, the disease has now spread to five districts, namely Birim Central, Birim North, Akyemansa, Birim South, and Achiase.

    During a news conference held in the regional capital, Koforidua, Dr. Winfred Ofosu, the Regional Director of Health Services, revealed the latest figures and warned that the number of confirmed cases might increase.

    The directorate is currently awaiting the results of 57 additional samples sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR).

    “A total of 11 cases have been confirmed by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. The region is expecting feedback from 57 more samples that are being worked on. The region is currently managing 103 suspected cases. So, I am sure many of you have the information that, initially, it was 9. Some tests were done, and two turned out to be positive,” Dr. Ofosu stated.

    The GHS had earlier confirmed nine cases of Dengue Fever after samples were tested at NMIMR. The confirmation of two more cases has raised concerns among health officials and residents alike.

    Dr. Ofosu assured the public that the Ghana Health Service is fully prepared to combat the disease.

    He urged residents in the affected districts to seek medical attention at the nearest health facilities if they exhibit symptoms of Dengue Fever, which include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding.

    The Eastern Regional Health Directorate is intensifying its efforts to manage the situation and prevent further spread of the disease.

    Health officials are conducting public awareness campaigns to educate people about the symptoms of Dengue Fever and the importance of seeking prompt medical care.

    As the region awaits the results of the 57 additional samples, health authorities remain vigilant and committed to ensuring the health and safety of all residents.

    The public is encouraged to stay informed and follow the guidance provided by health officials to mitigate the impact of the Dengue Fever outbreak.

  • Burkina Faso declares outbreak of dengue fever

    Burkina Faso declares outbreak of dengue fever

    The health ministry of Burkina Faso has announced that there is a widespread outbreak of dengue fever. There has been a significant increase in both the number of people getting sick and the number of deaths caused by the illness reported last week.

    The virus spreads when mosquitoes that are carrying it bite people. As the climate gets hotter, bugs can flourish and live easily.

    Over 200 people have died in Burkina Faso this year, making it the worst outbreak in a long time.

    People are being encouraged to use free testing places and health screenings. Dengue fever may not show any signs, but if someone does develop symptoms, they can experience a high body temperature, headache, body pains, feeling sick to the stomach, and a skin rash.

    The health department believes that there are over 50,000 people with the virus in Burkina Faso, mainly in the two largest cities – Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso.

    The World Health Organization has recently alerted that half of the world’s population is now in danger of getting dengue fever. They also expressed concerns that the disease is becoming a bigger problem in the continent.

  • Dengue fever outbreak kills 26 in Sudan – Officials

    Sudanese health officials on Wednesday said at least 26 people have died from Dengue fever in one of the worst outbreaks the country has seen in recent years.

    Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that occurs in tropical areas of the world, usually spreading near stagnant sources of water.

    As of Monday, November 21, 460 cases of the disease and a further 3,436 suspected cases had been recorded, the Sudanese Health Ministry announced on social media.

    Around 20 of the deaths were recorded in the southern Kordofan region, one of the areas where the outbreak was first reported by the Sudanese Doctors Committee in early November. Several local media outlets put the official number of cases as much higher.

    Dengue fever has flu-like symptoms and can often lead to organ failure and death. In 2019, an outbreak in Sudan was responsible for five deaths according to the World Health Organization.

    At the height of Sudan’s rainy season in August and September, flash flooding killed at least 144 people and destroyed tens of thousands of homes, along with roads and other vital infrastructure.

     

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