Health worker, 44 others infected with dengue fever as suspected cases hit 229

Dengue fever cases continue to rise in parts of Eastern Region with confirmed cases now reaching 45 across five districts as of July 17, 2024.

The affected districts with confirmed cases include Birim Central, Achiase, Akyemansa, Birim South, and Birim North.

In total, 10 districts have reported suspected cases, including New Juaben South, Lower Manya Krobo, Fanteakwa North, Abuakwa North, and Kwaebibirem.

Health authorities have recorded 34 new positive cases on July 17, 2024, contributing to a cumulative total of 229 suspected cases.

One health worker has been infected, accounting for 2.2% of the total confirmed cases.

The Eastern Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) has been actively coordinating with affected districts.

A joint outbreak investigation by national, regional, and district Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) is underway, and District Public Health Emergency Management Committees (PHEMC) have been activated.

The joint Regional RRT and National Team are on the ground in affected districts to support response activities. Meetings with District Chief Executives (DCEs) and local Chiefs in Birim Central, Birim South, Achiase, and Akyemansa have been conducted to enhance local coordination.

New districts reporting suspected cases have been instructed to activate their District PHEOCs to manage the outbreak.

Case Definition and Surveillance

Suspected cases are defined as individuals with acute febrile illness lasting 2-7 days with at least two of the following symptoms: headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, hemorrhagic manifestations, or leucopenia.

Additionally, any individual confirmed for malaria who has completed a three-day course of antimalarials and is still unwell is also considered a suspected case.

The GHS says confirmed cases require laboratory confirmation, including positive IgM antibody, a rise in IgG antibody titers, positive PCR, or viral isolation.

Laboratory Results

Out of 229 cumulative suspected cases, 138 lab results have been received. Of these, 45 are positive, 93 are negative, and 91 results are still pending.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, working to prevent further spread of the disease and provide necessary care to those affected.