E/R: 2 More Dengue Fever Cases Recorded; Total Number Moves To 11, 57 Samples Being Tested

The Eastern Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service has disclosed that two more cases of Dengue Fever have been recorded bringing the total number to 11.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) on July 14, announced the outbreak of clinical malaria, known as Dengue Fever, in some districts of the Eastern Region.

According to the GHS, a total of nine cases have been confirmed after samples were sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR).

The disease, initially recorded in three districts and municipalities of the Eastern Region is now in five districts.

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

Addressing journalists at a news conference in the regional capital Koforidua Monday afternoon, the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Winfred Ofosu revealed that the number is likely to go up.

He added that the directorate is still awaiting the results of 57 more samples sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

“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,” he stated.

Dr. Ofosu, however, assured the public of the readiness of the Ghana Health Service in combating the disease and urged people living in those districts to report to the nearest health facilities if they have symptoms of Dengue fever.

Dengue Fever: Health experts sensitise affected region

Health experts in the Eastern Region are making concerted efforts to contain the outbreak of Dengue Fever following the detection of nine cases in various districts.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued an alert, and measures are being implemented to treat those affected and prevent further spread.

Health experts, led by the Eastern Regional Director of Health, Dr. Winfred Ofosu, are holding an emergency review meeting to strategise on curbing the outbreak.

In an interview with JoyNews, Dr. Ofosu mentioned that residents in the affected districts are being sensitised.

Dr. Ofosu also advised residents to wear protective clothing when going to the farm to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to seek medical care if they are unwell.

“We are engaging the community members, opinion leaders, district assemblies, traditional leaders to inform them about the symptoms and also educate them on preventive and control measures,” he said.

Additionally, the Director of Public Health with the GHS, Dr. Franklin Asiedu Bekoe, stated that steps are being taken to address the issue and urged the public to understand that not every fever is malaria, discouraging self-medication.

“For now, it is a localized outbreak and we are having community engagement,” he noted.

 

Listen to Dr. Franklin in the audio below

 

 

Overview of Dengue Fever:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

Approximately half of the world’s population is at risk, with an estimated 100–400 million infections occurring annually. Many dengue infections are asymptomatic or cause mild illness, but the virus can occasionally lead to severe cases and even death.

Danger and Prevention: Dengue is particularly dangerous because its prevention and control depend on vector control. There is no specific treatment for dengue or severe dengue. Early detection and proper medical care significantly reduce the fatality rates of severe dengue. Most people infected with dengue will not show symptoms, but common symptoms include high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash.

Recovery typically occurs within 1–2 weeks, but severe cases may require hospitalization and can be fatal. The risk of dengue can be lowered by avoiding mosquito bites, especially during the day.

Symptoms of dengue fever include:

High fever
Severe headache
Pain behind the eyes
Muscle and joint pains
Nausea
Vomiting
Swollen glands
Rash

 

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