Urgent Public Health Announcement: Immediate Action Required to Prevent Poliovirus Spread in Eastern Ghana

Urgent Public Health Announcement: Immediate Action Required to Prevent Poliovirus Spread in Eastern Ghana

The Ministry of Health of Ghana urgently alerts the public to the confirmed detection of Circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2) in the Eastern Region, specifically within the Koforidua area. This detection, confirmed by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research on September 3rd, 2024, following a sample collection on August 20th, 2024, has precipitated a Public Health Emergency declaration.

Immediate Response and Prevention Measures

In response to this critical health threat, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ghana Health Service and supported by the World Health Organization and other international health bodies, is undertaking rigorous measures to curb further spread of the virus:

  • Intensive Field Investigations: To swiftly identify the infection source and limit exposure.
  • Assessment of Geographic Spread: To evaluate potential areas affected and populations at risk.
  • Enhanced Surveillance Activities: Aimed at monitoring and controlling the virus’s transmission.
  • Risk Assessment for Human Transmission: To understand and mitigate risks to the broader population.
  • Public Education and Mobilization: To inform and engage communities on essential preventive measures.

Critical Preventive Guidelines for the General Public

With the potential for further spread, adhering to the following preventive guidelines is essential for all residents, particularly in the affected areas:

  1. Hygiene and Sanitation:
    • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using restroom facilities, before and after preparing food, after outdoor activities, and when caring for infants.
    • Use latrines or other sanitation systems to dispose of human waste properly, and ensure cleanliness to avoid contamination.
  2. Environmental Cleanliness:
    • Avoid open defecation.
    • Disinfect potentially contaminated surfaces to prevent the spread of the virus.
  3. Vaccination Compliance:
    • Ensure that all children receive their polio vaccinations according to the national immunization schedule to maintain community immunity and protect against poliovirus.

Call to Action

The Ministry of Health implores every citizen to cooperate fully with these preventive measures. It is crucial that the community at large adheres strictly to these guidelines to prevent the transmission of poliovirus and protect public health.

We reassure the public that the Ministry of Health, together with its partners, is committed to taking every necessary action to control this outbreak and safeguard the health of all Ghanaians.

For further information or to report concerns, please contact the Ministry of Health or visit our website. Your vigilance and prompt action are key in our collective effort to manage this health emergency effectively.