The Ghana Health Service has started investigations to uncover the source and spread of type-2 polio virus discovered in Tamale in the Northern Region.
This is in reaction to the detection of the virus from environmental sample taken from the area through routine surveillance activities by the Ghana Health service together with Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMMR) from the environs of Tamale.
The Health Service and ministry will additionally assess the potential for the disease to spread further and to be transmitted to humans.
This is contained in a statement issued by Director General of the Service Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare.
The Ghana Health Service in the statement described the situation as a public health emergency hence the triggering of the emergency measures.
The Service will therefore be enhancing its surveillance on polio in addition stepping its advocacy and public sensitization on the disease.
The Service has also directed all regions of the country to “enhance (Alpha-fetoprotein) AFP observation and strengthen laboratory examination on suspected cases of poliomyelitis.”
Regional Health Directors have also been asked by the service to “update emergency preparedness and response plans on Polio eradication and ensure that districts also update their respective plans.”
Aside steeping up public education on polio, the Regional Health Directors are also to “engage and initiate advocacy dialogue with MMDAs, Water Sector and other relevant institutions for access to safe water and improved sanitation.”
“As part of measures to prevent further spread and protect against spread to humans, the general public is encouraged to observe improved personal hygiene and good sanitation practices,” the service stated
Story by: Pokuaa Berfi-Boadu/Radiogoldlive.com
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