Emergency Alert - Ghana Health Service Declares Dengue Fever Outbreak: How to Care for Patients at Home
Health Alert: Dengue Fever Outbreak in Ghana
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The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed an outbreak of Dengue Fever, with nine cases reported in the Eastern Region. Given the proximity to the outbreak in Burkina Faso and the high density of Aedes mosquitoes in Ghana, it’s essential to understand how to care for someone with Dengue at home and take preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease.
Understanding Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection presenting in two forms:
Dengue Fever: A febrile illness with high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain.
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF): A more severe form that includes bleeding and sometimes shock, which can be fatal, especially in children.
Common Symptoms of Dengue Fever
Fever
Severe headache
Rash
Muscle and joint pain
Nausea and vomiting
Warning Signs of Severe Dengue
Abdominal pain or tenderness
Persistent vomiting
Clinical fluid accumulation
Mucosal bleed
Lethargy or restlessness
Liver enlargement (> 2 cm)
Increasing hematocrit (HCT) with rapid decrease in platelet count
Caring for Someone with Dengue at Home
If a healthcare professional advises that the patient can be managed at home, follow these guidelines:
Hydration
Ensure the patient drinks plenty of fluids:
Water
Oral rehydration solutions (ORS)
Fresh fruit juices
Soup
Avoid sugary drinks and caffeinated beverages.
Managing Fever and Pain
Use acetaminophen (paracetamol) to reduce fever and relieve pain.
Avoid aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, which can increase bleeding risk.
Rest
Encourage the patient to rest as much as possible.
Create a comfortable and quiet environment.
Monitoring Symptoms
Regularly track the patient’s temperature and symptoms.
Watch for warning signs of severe Dengue and seek immediate medical attention if they appear.
Preventing Mosquito Bites
Use mosquito nets, especially when the patient is sleeping.
Apply mosquito repellents to exposed skin.
Ensure windows and doors are properly screened.
Nutrition
Provide a balanced diet to support the immune system.
Offer small, frequent meals that are easy to digest.
Personal Protection
While caring for others, use repellent and wear light, long-sleeved clothes.
Preventive Measures Against Dengue Fever
Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites
Remove stagnant water from containers, flower pots, and other potential breeding sites.
Clean and cover water storage containers.
Community Awareness
Educate the community about Dengue Fever symptoms and prevention.
Encourage community clean-up efforts.
Personal Protection
Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants.
Use mosquito repellents, especially during peak mosquito activity periods.
Mode of Spread
Dengue Fever spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. The mosquito becomes infected by biting an infected person. Symptoms usually appear 5-7 days after being bitten.
Government Response and Recommendations
The Ministry of Health has initiated several measures:
Enhanced surveillance at all levels
Public education on signs, symptoms, and prevention
Entomological assessments indicating the presence of Aedes mosquitoes
Coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners
Preparedness Measures
Epidemiological and laboratory surveillance
Risk communication, social mobilization, and health education
Case management and logistics
Coordination among National and Regional Committees
Conclusion
The outbreak of Dengue Fever in the Eastern Region is a pressing concern. By staying informed and following recommended guidelines, we can manage and reduce the spread of Dengue Fever. Public awareness, preventive measures, and community cooperation are essential to combating this outbreak.
Tags: #GHS #DengueFever #HealthAlert #PreventDengue #MosquitoControl #PublicHealth