A health expert has called on the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to ban the hunting and sale of bats in the country.
Dr. Michael Owusu, a virologist at the Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research, also cautioned the public to limit the consumption of bats, avoid hugging and shaking hands.
“If we have to put some restrictions, I think we are better off putting some restrictions on the bats,” he said.
He explained, “the point is that if you put the restriction on any bush meat alone, those eating will not have a problem, but then eating means that you will create the market for those who hunt and process it and this is how you look at it in the bigger context.
"So if people are eating the bats and you tell them to limit or stop eating bats by this time, those who catch or hunt for those bats will not do that –they will switch to other animals that are less riskier. So we are looking at those eating and suppliers.
This call comes after the country rallies to respond to the outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus.
At least two persons have died as a result of the virus with close to 98 contacts placed under strict surveillance.
The country’s response programme to the disease has been threatened by widespread ignorance of the condition among the population.
The Ghana Health Service says it is on a hunt to unravel the source of the virus in the country.
Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Franklin Asiedu Bekoe said the Service has begun aggressive contact tracing, adding that his outfit will increase surveillance.
Dr. Franklin Asiedu Bekoe added that the Service has activated a containment plan to prevent a further spread.
“Our approach is about containment. So what we are doing is that we are making sure that we identify all contacts by involving the community members who have a better knowledge of the community, so that if the case should occur, immediately we detect and manage,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kumah Aboagye says 13 out of the 98 persons quarantined have tested negative for Marburg.
Latest Stories
-
2024 polls: Let’s continue to unite in peace – Bawumia to politicians
1 min -
Patronise local movies to push industry growth – Fella Makafui to public
5 mins -
King Charles visits cancer centre as public engagements resume
6 mins -
GPL: Bashir Hayford delays game against Bechem after sitting in the middle of the pitch
21 mins -
Courage Alormasor: FDA deserves praise for clamp down on unregistered diapers
23 mins -
ISSER Director promotes global collaboration for financial inclusion in Asia
39 mins -
26-year-old JHS dropout sentenced to 15 years for robbery
43 mins -
Yvonne Nelson announces plans for dumsor vigil
50 mins -
Blue Ivy Carter joins mum Beyoncé in Lion King prequel
1 hour -
Initiative to empower women in West and Central African maritime security sector launched
1 hour -
Our policies are youth-centered, necessary for development – Bawumia
1 hour -
US Army Major convicted for smuggling guns to Ghana disguised as rice and home goods
2 hours -
#WAFFEST2024: Ghana leads charge in promoting African cuisines on the global stage
2 hours -
Music industry lacks peace since I joined – Davido
2 hours -
Consumer financial education: Demystifying personal loan structure
2 hours