Marburg Virus: Ghana is prepared; no cause for alarm – GHS assures

As part of efforts to safeguard the country against a possible outbreak of the Marburg virus, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has conducted visits to key institutions, including the Ghana Infectious Disease Center, Kotoka International Airport, Pantang Hospital, and the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, to assess national readiness.

This follows reports of an outbreak in Ethiopia, where several deaths have been recorded.

The Marburg virus spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and muscle pain, often followed by vomiting and diarrhoea.

In more serious cases, patients may experience bleeding from the nose, gums, and internal organs.

During the inspection, the Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, revealed that preparedness measures are underway to ensure the country is adequately equipped to respond to any potential outbreak.

“We have two flights arriving daily from Ethiopia, each carrying over 200 passengers, many of whom are Ghanaians. While not all passengers are directly from Ethiopia, it is crucial that our port health officers remain prepared to identify and respond to any suspicious or suspected case,” he explained.

He added: “We are monitoring global events around the clock. All diseases will be reported, captured, and addressed. Our national case management team, surveillance unit, and communication systems have all been activated. This time, we want to stay ahead of every development rather than wait and react.”

Dr Akoriyea, advised health officers to remain vigilant while reassuring the public of protection against the virus.

“Everything is calm. There is no cause for alarm. Let’s continue our daily routines and trust our health workers, who are committed to protecting every Ghanaian citizen and all residents within the country. That is our mandate.”

Although no case of the Marburg virus has been recorded in Ghana, the GHS is urging citizens to take necessary precautions.

“We want to assure Ghanaians to remain calm but continue practicing infection prevention measures. Wash your hands regularly, use sanitizers, and wear face masks wherever necessary,” the Service advised.

As part of enhanced protocols, arriving passengers will be questioned and screened to ensure thorough checks for potential exposure to the virus.

Source: 3news.com