Re update on Dengue Disease Outbreak

Protecting Our Communities from Dengue

The Ghana Health Service is taking swift action to contain an outbreak of Dengue in the Eastern and Central Regions. Our team of experts, including entomologists and epidemiologists, are working tirelessly to investigate the situation and prevent further spread.

Ghana health service understands that the outbreak of a disease like Dengue can be alarming, but we want to assure the public that we are doing everything in our power to contain the situation. Our team is working closely with regional and district health teams, as well as other stakeholders, to ensure that we are taking all necessary measures to prevent further spread.

As of today, July 17th, 2024, we have confirmed 36 cases of Dengue, but thankfully, only one person has required hospitalization and has since been discharged. The remaining cases are being managed at home, and patients are stable.

Ghana health service want to assure the public that we are taking a proactive approach to containing this outbreak. Our team is conducting a thorough investigation, including testing samples at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), to determine the cause of the outbreak and prevent further spread.

GHS urge everyone, especially those in the affected areas, to take immediate action to prevent mosquito bites. Let's work together to protect our communities! 

The following are the symptoms of Dengue

- Sudden high-grade fever

- Severe headache (mostly in the forehead)

- Body aches (muscle, bone, and joint pains)

- Nausea and/or vomiting

- Rash

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately. GHS is also  urging the public to take the following precautions to prevent mosquito bites:

- Wear protective clothing

- Use mosquito repellents

- Cover water containers tightly

- Discard unused water

- Properly dispose of items that can collect water (e.g., empty cocoa pods, coconut shells)

- Sleep in insecticide-treated bed nets

We are also engaging with communities through risk communication and education to ensure that everyone has the information they need to protect themselves and their families. We are working with district health management teams, traditional leaders, and community leaders to ensure that everyone is aware of the situation and knows what to do to stay safe.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) wants to reassure the public that we are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to contain this outbreak and prevent further spread. We understand the fear and anxiety that comes with the rapid spread of a disease, and we want to assure you that we are doing everything humanly possible to protect the health and well-being of all Ghanaians. Our team of dedicated healthcare professionals, epidemiologists, and scientists are working around the clock to identify the source of the outbreak, trace contacts, and provide necessary care to those affected. 

Ghana health service are committed to transparency and will keep the public informed every step of the way. We recognize that this outbreak not only affects individuals but also families, communities, and the nation as a whole. That's why we are working tirelessly to ensure that this outbreak is brought under control, and we will not rest until we have achieved that goal. 

We urge the public to remain calm, follow public health guidelines, and cooperate with our teams on the ground. Together, we can overcome this challenge and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever. Your health and well-being are our top priority, and we will do everything possible to protect them.

Released by Ghana health service 

Let's fight Dengue together! Stay safe, Ghana!