The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reported confirmed cases of Yellow Fever and Measles in the Ellembelle District, sparking a proactive response to contain and manage these diseases.
An internal memo revealed one case of yellow fever and three cases of measles in the Western Region.
Yellow Fever, a viral and epidemic-prone mosquito-borne illness, can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites by infected Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes. On the other hand, Measles, a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus, can lead to severe complications and even death.
The GHS has thus set in motion the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy to identify and investigate Yellow Fever and Measles cases.
Suspected Case of Yellow Fever
Any individual experiencing an abrupt onset of fever, coupled with jaundice appearing within 14 days of the initial symptom onset.
Suspected Case of Measles
Any person with fever and maculopapular (non-vesicular) generalized rash, along with symptoms like cough, coryza (inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose), or conjunctivitis (red eyes), or anyone a clinician suspects may have measles.
All suspected Yellow Fever and Measles cases are to be investigated in accordance with Ghana’s IDSR Technical Guidelines, adhering to established protocols for the management and control of these diseases.
