Health alert: Lassa fever cases hit 14, one death recorded

The number of confirmed Lassa fever cases has increased by a total of 12, increasing the nation’s total to 14.

The 13 cases are all still alive, in stable conditions, and are being maintained in recognized medical facilities, according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), with the exception of one fatality that was documented.

“Efforts are being made to identify more contacts; so far, 97 contacts have been found.

The Central Region has reported a possible case, and contacts are being found and kept track of as we wait for confirmation. All cases and contacts are receiving psychological care, according to a statement made by Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the GHS.

The GHS has advised the public to avoid contact with rodents including rats and mice in light of the reported cases.

“Ensure excellent environmental hygiene and implement steps such as storing grains and other goods in rat-proof containers, disposing of rubbish far from the home, maintaining clean dwellings, and keeping cats to prevent rodent infestation,” the GHS said.

In tending to sick people, members of the public are also asked to avoid coming into contact with blood and bodily fluids.

“The Ghana Health Service wants to remind the general population that when they are ill, they should go to the closest medical facility.

The Service promised that it would continue to cooperate with its partners to guarantee the protection of the entire population.

It should be recalled that the GHS ordered all healthcare facilities nationwide to be on high alert for suspected cases of Lassa fever in May of last year.

Following reports of cases in various West African nations, including as Liberia, Togo, and Nigeria, it was discovered.

Acute viral hemorrhagic fever, a zoonotic disease caused by the Lassa virus, is spread to people by eating or touching anything around the house that have been contaminated with rodent feces, such as food or household items.

Via direct contact with the blood, urine, feces, or other bodily fluids of a person suffering from Lassa fever, the Lassa virus may potentially be transmitted between people.

Lassa virus transmission via sexual contact is also possible.

The initial signs and symptoms of Lassa fever can include fever and general weakness and have an incubation period of two to 21 days.

A headache, sore throat, muscle discomfort, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and stomach pain may subsequently appear in the course of the illness.

In extreme circumstances, bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina, or stomach may occur.

With deadly eases, death typically happens within 14 days of start.

Although there is currently no effective vaccine for the illness, early use of ribavarine (within seven days of disease onset), supportive care with rehydration, and symptomatic treatment enhance survival.

In October and December 2011, Ghana’s first two laboratory cases of Lassa fever from the Ashanti Region were confirmed.