The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued an alert following the confirmation of a Dengue Fever outbreak in several districts of the Eastern Region.
The outbreak was confirmed after nine cases tested positive for Dengue Fever at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR).
In a statement signed by Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of GHS, it was explained that these cases initially presented as clinical malaria but did not respond to antimalarial treatment. Subsequent testing confirmed them as Dengue Fever, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes.
“A total of nine such cases have been confirmed as Dengue Fever,” the statement noted, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance and immediate public health response.
The GHS has mobilized a team of entomologists and epidemiologists at both national and regional levels to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the outbreak. This initiative aims to understand the extent of the epidemic, prevent further transmission, and provide appropriate medical care to affected individuals.
Furthermore, the GHS has instructed Regional Directors of Health Service and Chief Executive Officers of Teaching Hospitals to disseminate this information to all healthcare providers. This measure is intended to enhance surveillance, early detection, and prompt management of suspected cases across affected regions.
The Dengue Fever outbreak underscores the importance of mosquito control measures and community awareness to mitigate the spread of the disease. The GHS continues to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the effective management and containment of the outbreak for the health and safety of the public.
Below is the full statement by GHS
The national surveillance system 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 sent to Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR). A total of nine of such cases have been confirmed as Dengue Fever. Following that a team from the national level made up of entomologists and epidemiologists have joined the regional team to undertake a detailed outbreak investigation.
We request Regional Directors of Health Service and Chief Executive Officers of Teaching Hospitals to ensure this Alert on Dengue Fever is communicated to all health workers in the respective Regions, Districts and Hospitals, including the Mission and Private Facilities. This is to enhance surveillance on Dengue Fever and all clinical malaria cases need to have laboratory confirmation. Cases meeting the case definition of Dengue Fever are to have blood samples taken and transported to NMIMR for confirmation.
The surveillance case definition for Dengue Fever is as follows:
Suspected case: Any person with acute febrile illness of 2-7 days duration with 2 or more of the following: headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, haemorrhagic manifestations, leukopenia.
Confirmed case: A suspected case with laboratory confirmation (positive IgM antibody, four-fold or greater rise in IgG antibody titres, positive PCR or viral isolation).
In severe forms of the disease i.e. Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome, the following apply:
Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever: A probable or confirmed case of dengue with bleeding tendencies as evidenced by one or more of the following: positive tourniquet test; petechiae, ecchymoses or purpura; bleeding: mucosa, gastrointestinal tract, injection sites Dengue Shock Syndrome: All the above criteria, plus evidence of circulatory failure manifested by rapid and weak pulse, and narrow pulse pressure (≤ 20 mm Hg) or hypotension for age, cold, clammy skin and altered mental status.
We further request Regional Directors of Health Service to initiate process to create public awareness on Dengue Fever on the following: – Avoiding mosquito bites by sleeping under mosquito nets and wearing appropriate clothing. – Destroying mosquito breeding sites by eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. – Proper waste management around homes to reduce potential breeding grounds.
Thank you.
DR PATRICK KUMA-ABOAGYE
DIRECTOR GENERAL
Cc:
Hon Minister of Health
Hon Deputy Ministers of Health
Chief Director
