GHS Issues Alert Over Dengue Fever Outbreak; Nine Cases Confirmed

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced the outbreak of clinical malaria, known as Dengue Fever, in some districts of the Eastern Region.

According to the GHS, a total of nine cases have been confirmed after samples were sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR).

A statement signed by Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of GHS, explained that these cases did not respond to antimalarial treatment and were therefore managed as acute febrile illnesses.

“The national surveillance system detected unusual cases of clinical malaria in some districts of the Eastern Region. These cases were not responding to antimalarial treatment and were therefore managed as acute febrile illness and samples sent to Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR). A total of nine of such cases have been confirmed as Dengue Fever.”

The GHS said a team from the national level, comprising entomologists and epidemiologists, has joined the regional team to undertake a detailed investigation into the outbreak.

The Service has therefore directed Regional Directors of Health Service and Chief Executive Officers of Teaching Hospitals to communicate this information to all health workers.

Below is the full statement by GHS

The national surveillance system detected unusual cases of clinical malaria in some districts of the Eastern Region. These cases were not responding to antimalarial treatment and were therefore managed as acute febrile illness and samples sent to Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR). A total of nine of such cases have been confirmed as Dengue Fever. Following that a team from the national level made up of entomologists and epidemiologists have joined the regional team to undertake a detailed outbreak investigation.

We request Regional Directors of Health Service and Chief Executive Officers of Teaching Hospitals to ensure this Alert on Dengue Fever is communicated to all health workers in the respective Regions, Districts and Hospitals, including the Mission and Private Facilities. This is to enhance surveillance on Dengue Fever and all clinical malaria cases need to have laboratory confirmation. Cases meeting the case definition of Dengue Fever are to have blood samples taken and transported to NMIMR for confirmation.

The surveillance case definition for Dengue Fever is as follows: Suspected case: Any person with acute febrile illness of 2-7 days duration with 2 or more of the following: headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, haemorrhagic manifestations, leukopenia.

Confirmed case: A suspected case with laboratory confirmation (positive IgM antibody, four-fold or greater rise in IgG antibody titres, positive PCR or viral isolation). In severe forms of the disease i.e. Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome, the following apply: Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever: A probable or confirmed case of dengue with bleeding tendencies as evidenced by one or more of the following: positive tourniquet test; petechiae, ecchymoses or purpura; bleeding: mucosa, gastrointestinal tract, injection sites Dengue Shock Syndrome: All the above criteria, plus evidence of circulatory failure manifested by rapid and weak pulse, and narrow pulse pressure (≤ 20 mm Hg) or hypotension for age, cold, clammy skin and altered mental status.

We further request Regional Directors of Health Service to initiate process to create public awareness on Dengue Fever on the following: – Avoiding mosquito bites by sleeping under mosquito nets and wearing appropriate clothing. – Destroying mosquito breeding sites by eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. – Proper waste management around homes to reduce potential breeding grounds.

Thank you. DR PATRICK KUMA-ABOAGYE DIRECTOR GENERAL Cc: Hon Minister of Health Hon Deputy Ministers of Health Chief Director