The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research confirmed that a 24-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man have tested positive for the disease.

Both patients are currently responding well to treatment, according to a circular issued by Dr. David Sarpong Opong, the Acting Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service.

On July 17, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) reported a total of 36 dengue cases in the Eastern and Central regions.

These cases primarily affected farmers in the Birim Central, Birim North, Akyemansa, Birim South, and Achiase districts in the Eastern Region.

The samples that confirmed these cases were collected during an enhanced surveillance effort.

Health experts in the Oti Region are now working diligently to contain the Dengue Fever outbreak following the detection of the two cases in Kadjebi.

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As of today, July 17, 2024, only one patient was hospitalised and has since been discharged.

The remaining patients are being managed at home and are in stable condition.

The GHS has urged the public to be aware of Dengue Fever symptoms, which include sudden onset of high-grade fever, severe headache (especially in the forehead), muscle, bone and joint pains, nausea and/or vomiting, and rash.

Ongoing response activities include clinician orientation on case definitions, stakeholder meetings with District Health Management Teams, Municipal/District Chief Executives, and local chiefs, as well as risk communication in affected districts.

Read the full statement below:

Although the exact number of cases is not yet known, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is intensifying efforts to investigate and contain the spread of the disease.

The Eastern Region has already recorded 11 cases, with over 100 samples sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for testing.

Speaking on the AM Show on JoyNews, the Head of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Franklin Asiedu Bekoe advised residents in affected areas to take precautions against mosquito bites during the day.

“The Central Region has also taken samples, and several have tested positive. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. The Aedes mosquito, which spreads dengue, bites during the day, unlike the Anopheles mosquito, which bites in the evening. Preventing mosquito bites is essential, so we need to wear protective clothing and minimize the mosquito population,” Dr Bekoe emphasised.

“It is important for people to suspect dengue and seek medical attention. While dengue vaccination is not widely available, early detection and hospital management are key. Many cases can also be managed at home,” he added.

Meanwhile, Eastern Regional correspondent, Kofi Siaw, reports that small-scale miners have been urged to cover their pits after excavation to prevent mosquito breeding.

“These areas are close to forest zones and mining sites, where uncovered pits can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. We advise miners to cover these pits to prevent water accumulation and mosquito breeding,” he said.

Deputy Eastern Regional Health Director, Dr. John Ekow Otoo, informed JoyNews that measures are in place to contain the spread, but individual commitment is crucial.

“So far, 103 people in the region are suspected cases. We’ve received samples from 56, with 11 awaiting results. We are ramping up our social mobilization and risk communication efforts. It’s important for the community to implement measures to prevent mosquito bites,” he said.

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The Eastern Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service has said.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) on July 14, announced the outbreak of clinical malaria, known as Dengue Fever, in some districts of the Eastern Region.

According to the GHS, a total of nine cases have been confirmed after samples were sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR).

The disease, initially recorded in three districts and municipalities of the Eastern Region is now in five districts.

The affected districts are Birim Central, Birim North, Akyemansa, Birim South and Achiase.

Addressing journalists at a news conference in the regional capital Koforidua Monday afternoon, the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Winfred Ofosu revealed that the number is likely to go up.

He added that the directorate is still awaiting the results of 57 more samples sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

“A total of 11 cases have been confirmed by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. The region is expecting feedback from 57 more samples that are being worked on. The region is currently managing 103 suspected cases. So, I am sure many of you have the information that, initially, it was 9. Some tests were done, and two turned out to be positive,” he stated.

Dr Ofosu, however, assured the public of the readiness of the Ghana Health Service in combating the disease and urged people living in those districts to report to the nearest health facilities if they have symptoms of Dengue fever.