The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed that twelve new cases of Lassa Fever have been recorded in the country after the first two cases were announced on February 26, 2023.
In a statement dated February 28, 2023, and signed by Director General of GHS, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye said, the additional 12 cases were identified following contact tracing and testing.
This brings to 14 the total number of confirmed cases for this outbreak.
The statement reads “Following the institution of control measures including contact tracing and testing, 12 additional cases who were close contacts have been confirmed. This brings to 14 the total number of confirmed cases for this outbreak.
“One death has so far been recorded. All 13 cases are alive and in stable condition and are being managed in designated health facilities. A total of 97 contacts have been identified and efforts are underway to identify more contacts,” Mr. Kuma-Aboagye stated.
According to the statement a probable case has been reported from Central Region and contacts are being identified and monitored and awaiting confirmation whereas psychological support is being provided for all cases and contacts.
It further advised the public to ensure good environmental hygiene and institute measures such as storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, disposing of garbage far from the home, maintaining clean households and keeping cats to prevent rodent infestation.
That notwithstanding, the GHS, encouraged Ghanaians not to hesitate to report to the nearest health facility when unwell.
BELOW IS THE FULL STATEMENT
