By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Ghana has not recorded a single case of the hantavirus in the country, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) said in a statement late Friday, assuring that it has intensified its surveillance systems against any possible outbreak in the country.
This announcement comes on the back of a report of hantavirus infection on a cruise ship, which is currently docked in Cape Verde, in which a total of 8 suspected cases have been reported, with 5 confirmed and 3 deaths.
According to a statement signed by Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, director-general of the GHS, the West African country says it is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the virus does not spread into the country.
“At present, no case of hantavirus has been recorded in Ghana. However, the Ghana Health Service, using its structures including port health, together with health partners, has instituted precautionary health measures to prevent any possible spread into the country,” said the statement.
The GHS announced it is implementing a number of public health measures, including enhanced surveillance at all ports of entry; increased monitoring and reporting of unusual respiratory illnesses in health facilities; public health education on rodent control and environmental sanitation; strengthened laboratory preparedness and rapid response; as well as collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO) and international disease surveillance networks for timely information sharing.
Among other things, the service has also put in place precautionary measures for the public: proper handwashing, proper food waste storage and disposal, avoiding contact with rodents and droppings, keeping homes and surroundings clean to avoid rodents, putting on proper apparel when cleaning rodent-infested areas, and seeking medical attention if experiencing fever, difficulty in breathing, or flu-like symptoms.
Hantavirus is a viral disease, primarily spread through contact with infected rodents, especially through exposure to their urine, droppings, saliva, or environmental surfaces.
Symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, muscle pain, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and, in severe cases, difficulties in breathing. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
Find the statement from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) below;
