Ghana Health Service Declares Dengue Fever Outbreak in Eastern Region

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed an outbreak of Dengue Fever with nine cases reported in the Eastern Region. This health alert follows similar outbreaks in neighbouring countries, increasing the urgency for preventive measures and public awareness.

Caring for Someone with Dengue

People with Dengue Fever can often be cared for at home. Here are essential steps for effective home care:

• Ensure ample rest: Patients should get plenty of rest.

• Hydration: Give them plenty of water to drink.

• Protection from mosquitoes: Have them sleep under a mosquito net and apply mosquito repellent.

• Medication: Paracetamol can help manage fever and pain. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen.

• Monitor for severe symptoms: Learn the warning signs of severe Dengue and seek immediate medical attention if they appear.

• Self-protection: Caregivers should use repellent and wear light, long-sleeved clothes.

Warning Signs of Severe Dengue

Be vigilant for the following warning signs:

• Abdominal pain or tenderness

• Persistent vomiting

• Clinical fluid accumulation

• Mucosal bleed

• Lethargy or restlessness

• Liver enlargement (>2 cm)

• Increasing hematocrit concurrent with a rapid decrease in platelet count

Dengue Symptoms

Common symptoms of Dengue include:

• Fever

• Headache

• Rash

• Muscle and joint pain

• Nausea and vomiting

More severe symptoms may appear after the fever subsides, such as bleeding or shock. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if these symptoms manifest.

Health Alert: Dengue Fever Outbreak

The Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service are closely monitoring Dengue Fever outbreaks in neighbouring Burkina Faso. In 2016, Burkina Faso reported 1,061 probable cases out of 1,266 suspected cases, with a cumulative total of 15 deaths (CFR 1.2%).

Key interventions in Burkina Faso include:

• Field investigations

• Enhanced surveillance

• Case management

• Infection prevention and control

• Contact tracing and follow-up

• Social mobilization/risk communication

The World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed a multidisciplinary team to support these efforts.

Dengue Fever: Information and Prevention

Forms of Dengue

1. Dengue Fever: Characterized by sudden onset of high-grade fever, severe headache, and pain behind the eyes, muscles, and joints.

2. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF): A more severe form that includes bleeding and sometimes shock, leading to death. This form is most serious in children.

Signs and Symptoms

Dengue Fever:

• Sudden onset of high fever

• Severe headache (mostly in the forehead)

• Pain behind the eyes worsening with eye movement

• Body aches and joint pains

• Nausea or vomiting

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Shock:

• Severe and continuous abdominal pain

• Bleeding from the nose, mouth, gums, or skin bruising

• Frequent vomiting with or without blood

• Black stools (like coal tar)

• Excessive thirst (dry mouth)

• Pale, cold skin

• Restlessness or sleepiness

Treatment

Treatment focuses on supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment:

• Avoid aspirin, Brufen, and other NSAIDs as they increase bleeding tendency and stomach pain.

• Paracetamol can be given on medical advice.

• If severe symptoms appear, take the patient to the hospital immediately and give fluids during the transfer.

Preparedness Measures and Actions

1. Alerts sent to all regions and districts to enhance surveillance.

2. Public education on signs, symptoms, and prevention.

3. Entomological assessment indicating the presence of Aedes mosquitoes.

Mode of Spread

Dengue fever spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. The virus is transmitted when mosquitoes bite infected persons. Symptoms appear about 5-7 days after the infected bite. It is essential to protect against all mosquito bites, as it is impossible to identify infected mosquitoes by sight.

Preventive Measures

To avoid and protect against mosquito bites:

• Wear full-sleeve clothes and long dresses.

• Use mosquito repellent, coils, and electric vapour mats.

• Use insecticide-treated mosquito nets, especially for babies, the elderly, and those resting during the day.

• Keep water containers covered and eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

Malaria Prevention Efforts

Seasonal Malaria Chemotherapy (SMC)

• Free distribution of malaria prophylactics to children aged 3 months to 59 months every year.

Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs)

• Distributed to every household to prevent mosquito bites.

Malaria Vaccine: RTS,S (Mosquirix)

• The first malaria vaccine approved for public use, administered in four doses starting at six months of age.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Health urges all Ghanaians to improve environmental conditions to prevent mosquito breeding and protect against mosquito bites. Public education and awareness are crucial in combating Dengue Fever. The media and health workers are called upon to support these efforts to ensure a high level of prevention and control measures.

Tags: #GHS #Dengue #Fever #ZeroMosquito #Mosquito #LLINs #MosquitoNets #SMC #Malaria #ZeroMalaria #Bukars

Source: GHS