The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has appealed to Pharmacists in community practice throughout the country to be extra careful when dealing with first aid treatment for malaria, fever, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and other simple ailments.

PSGH believes this is important “in order not miss possible early symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).”

“It is not always possible to identify patients with EVD early because initial symptoms may be non-specific. When in doubt, Pharmacists should refer any suspected case to the nearest hospital for review", PSGH warned.

PSGH is also cautioning Pharmacists to “sensitise their clients on the symptoms of the EVD and advise them on preventive measures.”

These were contained in a press statement signed by PSGH President, Pharm. James Ohemeng Kyei.

The Ebola virus which has killed at least 59 people of the 80 who initially contracted it in Guinea two weeks ago now threatens all of West Africa, as health officials in Liberia try to determine if recent deaths there are connected.

In Liberia, six cases have been reported of which five have already died, including a child, Liberian health officials say.

There were early reports that the disease has hit Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital, however, a test on a girl suspected to have contracted the virus came out as negative.

Ghana’s Minister of Health, Ms Sherry Ayittey, has assured her outfit will not leave anything to chance.

EVD is a severe acute viral illness often characterized by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat.

This is followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases both internal and external bleeding.

The incubation period of the viris is between 2 to 21 days and laboratory findings include low white blood cell and platelet counts and elevated liver enzymes.

Even though new medication therapies are being evaluated, there is no specific medicine for the treatment of EVD; and there is also no human vaccine to prevent EVD infections.

PSGH is also appealing to pharmacists who are involved in Research and Development in various pharmaceutical institutions to intensify their research efforts in order to find quality, efficacious and safe vaccines and/or medicines that can prevent or cure this dreadful disease.