Lassa Fever – VR On High Alert

The Ghana Health Service has heightened surveillance in the Volta Region following the confirmation of the first Lassa Fever case in the country at the Tema General Hospital.

Dr Ofori Yeboah, Deputy Director of Health Services in charge of Public Health in the Region told the Ghana News Agency that five surveillance zones had been established to track and report suspected cases.

He said aside that, community-based surveillance systems were also in place in addition to districts surveillance mechanisms in view of the Region’s closeness to Nigeria, which recorded cases and deaths months ago.

Dr Yeboah, said port health staff had been trained to be on high alert especially at the Aflao Border and look out for “conditions” and suspected cases.

He underscored the importance for all to be vigilant and practise environmental hygiene.

Mr Richard Ahiagbede, Regional Environmental Health Officer said his outfit was embarking on public education on the disease and would conduct pest and vector control where necessary.

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic fever, which is endemic in West Africa, and transmitted through contact with infected rodents, especially rats.

It has an incubation period of about six to 21 days, with an often gradual onset with non-specific signs and symptoms, but it is commonly characterised by fever, headaches, malaise, and general weakness at the early stages and then later hearing loss.

Source: GNA