Red cross organises campaign on yellow fever

Ghana Red Cross is embarking on massive campaign on yellow fever.

To facilitate the process, the body has organised a workshop for 240 volunteers drawn from Greater Accra, Brong Ahafo, Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions.

The volunteers are mobilised in the communities including the schools, churches and mosques as well as lorry parks ahead of the nationwide yellow fever immunisation campaign this month.

Mr Eric Asamoah Darko, Greater Accra Regional Manager of the Red Cross told the workshop that yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by a bite from a mosquito called Aedes Aegypti.

He said the mosquito manifests itself through fever, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting.

Mr Darko said there is no treatment for yellow fever hence the need for people to be immunised against the disease. Every year, about 200,000 cases of yellow fever are recorded and 30,000 of the patients die worldwide.

Yellow fever occurs in 33 countries and more than 500 million people are at risk of catching the disease.

Mr Darko said three cases of yellow fever were confirmed in Ghana last year, which means there is outbreak of the disease.

He said to prevent further outbreaks the government in collaboration with its development partners is organising a yellow fever campaign in the areas where there is a high risk of an epidemic.

All persons above 10 years of age are target of immunisation, except pregnant women.

The yellow fever vaccine is very effective and protects a person for 10 years.

The adverse reactions of the vaccine may include: fever, headache, muscle pain at the site of injection, joint pain and itching.

“People are advised to remain at the place of vaccination for at least 15 minutes after administration of the vaccine. “The health worker is equipped to manage any such reactions that may occur,” he said.

Mr Darko said any person who suffer a reaction, should not panic but rather rush to the nearest health centre or seek advice from health workers.

He asked people to prevent the disease through vaccination, sleep under insecticides treated nets and wear clothes that would cover the body in the evening.

Mr Darko also called for the use of insect repellants on exposed skins.

Immunisation takes place in health centres and at a number of temporary immunisation posts set up in schools, markets, bus stations, churches and neighbourhoods and is free of charge.

Mr Darko said yellow fever vaccination and the cards issued for those who patronise the service are free.

The World Health Organisation recommends yellow fever vaccination for all people living in Ghana.**