Twelve more Lassa fever cases have been confirmed in the country by the Ghana Health Service.

This comes after the first two cases, which were reported in Accra on February 26.

Following the implementation of control measures, including as contact tracing tests of all individuals who had been in close contact with the original two confirmed cases, the 12 additional cases were found.

The total number of confirmed patients for this epidemic now stands at 14. Thus far, one death has been reported.

According to the GHS, “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.”

❗️PRESS RELEASE ❗️Update on Lassa Fever Outbreak in Ghana -28th February 2023 pic.twitter.com/ASSLIjvCkV— Ghana Health Service (@_GHSofficial) February 28, 2023

Meanwhile, “A probable case has been reported from Central Region and contacts are being identified and monitored while we await confirmation. Psychological support is being provided for all cases and contacts.”

The GHS took the opportunity to remind the public to follow preventive measures in order to avoid falling victim to the virus.

These include:

1. Avoid contact with rodents (mice, rats, etc).

2. 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.

3. Avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons.

“The Ghana Health Service wishes to remind the public of the need to report to the nearest health facility when unwell. We want to assure the public that, we will continue to work with our partners to ensure the safety of the entire population,” it concluded.

Source: The Independent Ghana