The Ministry of Health (GHS) has issued health alert to Ghanaians on the detection of poliovirus in the Northern region.
The virus was detected through a routine surveillance activity on polio carried out in the Tamale Metropolis.
A statement issued on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, and signed by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Nana Kwabena Adjei-Mensah, said the Ghana Health Service in collaboration with the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research (NMIMR) “through routine surveillance activities on polio has detected and confirmed Poliovirus Type 2 from sample in the Tamale Metropolis, Northern Region.
It said: “This constitutes Public Health Emergency.”
The statement assured the public that the ministry together with its partners were doing everything possible to prevent the further spread of the virus.
Actions
Consequently, the ministry in partnership with other stakeholders has detailed field investigators to identify the possible source of infection to determine the extent of geographical spread.
The team would also undertake a risk assessment and potential for further spread including transmission to human.
Prevention
As part of measures to prevent further spread and protection against the spread to humans, the ministry “is encouraging communities to observe improved personal hygiene and good sanitation practices.”
The statement advised Ghanaians to often wash their hands under safe running water after using the toilet facility, before preparing food, eating or feeding a baby.
Members of the public are also advised to use toilet facility or bury the faeces and not to defecate in the open and “to clean toilet surfaces contaminated with faeces with disinfectant.
“Parents and caregivers of infants are encouraged to complete the instituted vaccination schedule to protect their wards,” the statement advised.
By Kwadwo Baffoe Donkor
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