The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed an epidemic of Lassa Fever in the country, with 14 cases already documented.
The first two cases were reported last week, and the remaining 12 were located by tracking and testing contacts of the initial two cases. One death has been reported thus far.
The GHS stated on Sunday that the first instance was a 40-year-old businessman who was ill for approximately two weeks and died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
The second instance is a contact of the fatal case who is currently hospitalized but is in excellent condition. The Ghana Health Service has identified and is following up with 56 contacts thus far. In the meanwhile, psychological help is offered to all patients and contacts.
The GHS warned the general population of the following precaution:
1. Stay away from rodents (mice, rats, etc)
To prevent rat infestation, provide good environmental hygiene and implement steps such as storing grain and other commodities in rodent-resistant containers, disposing of rubbish away from the home, maintaining clean dwellings, and keeping cats.
3. Avoid coming into contact with blood and bodily fluids when caring for the sick.
Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria are endemic for Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic fever.
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