Dengue Fever: Ghana Health Service issues notice on recorded Dengue Fever cases
Mosquito feeding on the finger,macro 3:1 life size ratio.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a notice on recorded Dengue Fever cases in Ghana.
The National Surveillance System has detected unusual cases of clinical malaria in some districts of the Eastern Region. These cases were not responding to antimalarial treatment and were therefore managed as acute febrile illness and samples were sent to Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR).
A total of nine (9) such cases have been confirmed as Dengue Fever According to GHANA HEALTH SERVICE.
Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. It’s a significant public health concern in many parts of the world, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.
Symptoms of dengue fever typically begin within 2-7 days after being bitten and may include:
– High fever
– Severe headache
– Pain behind the eyes
– Muscle and joint pain
– Rash
– Nausea and vomiting
In some cases, dengue fever can develop into a more severe form, known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), which can be life-threatening.
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, but early detection, rest, hydration, and pain management can help alleviate symptoms. Prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites through measures like using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water around homes and communities, Proper waste management around homes to reduce potential breeding grounds.
The full press release from Ghana Health Service (GHS)
PUBLIC ALERT – OUTBREAK OF DENGUE
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. Nine of such cases have been confirmed as Dengue and being managed as non-severe cases at home.
Following this development, a team from the national level made up of Entomologists and Epidemiologists have joined the regional team to undertake a detailed outbreak investigation.
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.
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THE FOLLOWING PREPAREDNESS MEASURES AND ACTIONS ARE BEING UNDERTAKING:
– 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 MEASURES
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.
We urge the population to avoid self-medication and assure all that we will work with our Partners to contain the outbreak and limit the impact.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
