The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has ramped up screening at all entry points into the country after confirmed Hantavirus infections were reported among passengers on a cruise ship that recently docked in Cape Verde, South Africa.
The increased watch follows confirmation by health officials of five infections on the vessel, with three fatalities recorded to date. While Ghana has not recorded any cases, the Ghana Health Service says it is moving early to block any potential spread and ensure rapid identification and care of suspected patients.
Speaking to Citi News which was monitored by Ghanaianradar, the Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, said emergency response systems have been put on alert across the country as part of the national readiness plan. “We have activated our emergency system to make sure we are aware of it. Should there be any suspected cases, if possible, we will send samples to our lab.
Currently, Noguchi is capable, as well as KCCR,” he stated. Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe noted that specific health facilities have also been earmarked and readied to handle any confirmed cases if they occur. He added that public awareness and risk communication campaigns are being scaled up to educate citizens on prevention steps and cut the chances of transmission.
“We also have our special centres that can manage cases. We are also trying to communicate with the population about what they need to do to prevent themselves from getting the infection,” he added.
The Ghana Health Service has called on the public to stay calm but alert, assuring that officials are closely tracking the situation while boosting monitoring and response capacity nationwide.
