Twelve new cases of Lassa fever have been confirmed in Ghana.
Following additional testing by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) confirmed 12 new cases of Lassa fever.
The latest cases were revealed after the GHS tracked down 56 contacts from the first two confirmed cases on Sunday, February 26.
According to the GHS, there are currently 13 active cases of Lassa Fever. So far, one person has died as a result of the disease.
The GHS revealed on Sunday that the first case was a 40-year-old trader who became ill for about two weeks and died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
The second case is a contact of the fatal case and is currently admitted but in good condition. So far, 56 contacts have been identified and are being followed up by the Ghana Health Service.
In Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, Lassa fever (a viral hemorrhagic fever) is endemic.
FACTS ABOUT LASSA FEVER IN A NUTSHELL
• Lassa fever is caused by the Lassa virus and has a 2-21 day incubation period.
• The virus is spread to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or feces (Rats, Mice).
• Lassa virus can also be transmitted between humans through direct contact with a person infected with Lassa fever's blood, urine, feces, or other bodily fluids. Sexual transmission of the Lassa virus has been reported.
The Signs and Symptoms of Lassa Fever
Fever and general weakness are common early symptoms of Lassa fever. People may develop headaches, sore throats, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, coughs, and abdominal pain later on.
In severe cases, bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina, or stomach may occur. In fatal cases, death usually occurs within 14 days of onset.
There is medicine (antiviral) for treatment and more effective if taken early. There is currently no Lassa fever vaccine available.
To discourage rodents from entering our homes, prevention relies on promoting community hygiene. Effective precautions include storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, disposing of garbage away from the home, keeping a clean house, and keeping cats.
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