3 months ago
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The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) of the University of Ghana is investigating 60 suspected cases of dengue fever from the Kadjebi District in the Oti Region.
The district has already recorded two confirmed cases of the disease.
As a result, the Kadjebi District Rapid Health Response Unit (RHRU) and the Oti Regional Health Directorate (ORHD) are on high alert to address any suspected cases.
Briefing journalists on the dengue fever situation in the region on Wednesday, the District Director of Health, Mr Eric Nana Takyi, appealed to residents to report cases of malaria or fever to health facilities promptly.
He explained that some cases initially reported as malaria or fever have tested negative and were later suspected to be dengue fever.
He said the two confirmed cases were put on medication and discharged.
Mr Takyi emphasised the importance of environmental cleanliness to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
He noted that while dengue fever affects all age groups, children and pregnant women were the most vulnerable.
Mr Takyi mentioned that although health authorities were working hard to prevent fatalities, it was crucial for the public to contribute to quality healthcare by reporting suspected cases for early treatment.
Highlighting the disease, Mr Takyi explained that dengue fever was deadly but curable if suspected cases were reported to health facilities early for diagnosis and treatment.
He said the disease was transmitted by a female mosquito called the Aedes mosquito, which carries the dengue virus and transmits it to humans through its bite.
Thus, he said was important to protect oneself by sleeping under mosquito nets, wearing protective clothing, and using mosquito repellent, among other measures.
He listed some symptoms of dengue fever, including high temperature, headache, joint pains, general weakness, rashes, nausea, and fever.
Mr Takyi said if dengue fever is not diagnosed early and treated, it could lead to severe complications such as kidney failure, vomiting of blood through the mouth or nose, and ultimately heart failure, which can be fatal.
FROM SAMUEL AGBEWODE, KADJEBI
