There have been two confirmed cases of Lassa fever in Ghana. On February 24, 2023, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research confirmed the two cases. According to a statement issued by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on Sunday, February 26, 2023, signed by its Director-General, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the first case was a 40-year-old trader who became ill for about two weeks and died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The second case, a contact of the first case, is currently admitted but in good health. So far, 56 contacts have been identified and are being followed up on, according to him. In Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, Lassa fever (a viral hemorrhagic fever) is endemic. Ghana's first case was recorded in 2011.The second case, a contact of the first case, is currently admitted but stable.
So far, he claims that 56 contacts have been identified and are being followed up on. Lassa fever (a viral hemorrhagic fever) is endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. Ghana recorded its first case in 2011.Following the notification, the public health measures listed below were implemented. Public Health Emergency Management Committees have been formed at all levels (national, regional, and district). A thorough investigation, including an environmental assessment, has begun. Medication and logistics, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), are being deployed. The process of locating and managing contacts is ongoing.
Lassa Fever in Brief
• Lassa fever is caused by the Lassa virus and has a 2-21 day incubation period.
