Ghana’s Ministry of Health has initiated measures to protect the general public from the outbreak of a Novel Coronavirus Infection (2019-nCoV) in China.
On the 17th January, 2020, the Health Authorities in China confirmed an outbreak of Novel Coronavirus Infection in Wuhan Province in China following a series of reported cases of pneumonia of unknown causes in December 2019.
The outbreak, which was linked to a local animal market (spread from animals to humans) but has also been found to spread from one person to the other, is characterized by fever, cough, and difficulties in breathing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on countries to strengthen prevention and control measures for 2019-nCoV. Pursuant o this, Ghana has taken measures to send alert message to all regions in Ghana on the outbreak in addition to guidance information on the disease, and also to enhance surveillance at points of entry especially the Kotoka International Airport, according to a press release from the Ministry of Health.
Passengers from China would undergo enhanced screening procedures, whereas health facilities have been alerted to prepare and manage cases of an outbreak.
The general public is advised to adhere to measures including regular washing of hands with soap and water, keeping a distance of at least one step from a person showing signs of fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, drinking plenty of fluids, eating well, seeking treatment immediately if infection is suspected, among others as part of prevention.
Meanwhile, the Ministry is asking “the general public and all stakeholders to support in efforts at preventing 2019-nCoV in China.”
Story by: Christian Yalley|chrisdaily
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