The Ghana Health Service has confirmed 12 additional cases of Lassa fever in the country.

This follows an initial two cases reported in Accra on February 26.

The 12 additional cases were discovered following the institution of control measures including contact tracing testing of all those who had been in close contact with the initial two confirmed cases.

This brings to 14 the total number of confirmed cases for this outbreak. One death has so far been recorded.

According to the GHS, “all 13 cases are alive and in stable condition and are being managed in designated health facilities. A total of 97 contacts have been identified and efforts are underway to identify more contacts.”

Meanwhile, “A probable case has been reported from Central Region and contacts are being identified and monitored while we await confirmation. Psychological support is being provided for all cases and contacts.”

The GHS took the opportunity to remind the public to follow preventive measures in order to avoid falling victim to the virus.

These include:

1. Avoid contact with rodents (mice, rats, etc).

2. Ensure good environmental hygiene and institute measures such as storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, disposing of garbage far from the home, maintaining clean households and keeping cats to prevent rodent infestation.

3. Avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons.

“The Ghana Health Service wishes to remind the public of the need to report to the nearest health facility when unwell. We want to assure the public that, we will continue to work with our partners to ensure the safety of the entire population,” it concluded.