The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed nine (9) cases of Dengue fever in some districts of the Eastern Region.

According to the country’s lead health agency, the National Surveillance System detected unusual cases of malaria-like illness which were not responding to recommended antimalarial treatments.

Following sample tests at the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research (NMIMR), it emerged 9 were non-severe cases of Dengue fever that were being managed at home. 

 

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever (break-bone fever) is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people and is more common in tropical and subtropical climates.

“The incidence of dengue has grown dramatically around the world in recent decades, with cases reported to WHO increasing from 505,430 cases in 2000 to 5.2 million in 2019. A vast majority of cases are asymptomatic or mild and self-managed, and hence the actual numbers of Dengue cases are under-reported. Many cases are also misdiagnosed as other febrile illnesses (1).” 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the highest number of Dengue cases was recorded in 2023, a record of 6.5 million cases leading to  7,300 dengue-related deaths. The cases spanned over 80 countries in all regions of the WHO.

What are the symptoms of Dengue Fever?

According to the WHO, most people who get Dengue will not have symptoms. But for those who do, the most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash. Most will get better in 1–2 weeks. Some people develop severe Dengue and need care in a hospital. However, in severe cases Dengue can be fatal, the WHO warns. 

The symptoms usually begin 4–10 days after infection and lasts 2–7 days. It includes:

  • high fever (40°C/104°F)
  • severe headache
  • pain behind the eyes
  • muscle and joint pains
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • swollen glands
  • rash

Meanwhile, severe Dengue symptoms often come after the fever has gone away: with symptoms as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or nose, fatigue, restlessness, blood in vomit or stool, being very thirsty, pale and cold skin and feeling weak.

Treatment and Prevention of Dengue Fever 

There is no specific treatment for dengue but the Ghana Health Service (GHS) recommends the following: 

  • Wear full sleeve clothes and long dresses to cover the limbs.
  • The use of mosquito repellent is helpful.
  • Use insecticide-treated mosquito nets to protect babies, old people and other people.
  • Cover and drain water from coolers, tanks, barrels, drums and buckets. 
  • Remove all objects that have collected water from the house. 
  • All stored water containers should always be kept covered. 

By: Gifty Tracy Aminu