Rabies Kills 6

Six persons have so far died from rabies in the Upper West Region this year. 

• Published: 20.01.2015 Daily Graphic Newspaper
• Daniel Russell

The Deputy Director of Public Health in the region, Dr Winfred Ofosu, who disclosed this, bemoaned the high prevalence of rabies in the region due to the failure of owners to vaccinate their dogs.

At a meeting with the regional epidemic management committee in Wa last Friday, Dr Ofosu said there were enough vaccines to take care of the large population of dogs in the region.

 The meeting, which attracted all stakeholders, was to discuss their preparedness to detect and contain any health hazard that posed a threat to the people in the region

 Dr Ofosu said four cases of Cerebro-spinal Meningitis (CSM) had been recorded, and one person had died from it.

According to him, all the ones, including 10 other suspected cases, were recorded in the Nandom District.

 He urged the general public to report any fever, headaches and sore throats or upper respiratory tract infection to the nearest health facility for treatment.

 He also advised nursing mothers to ensure that they completed the number of bouts of immunisation of their babies to ensure they were healthy.

 Dr. Ofosu said 37 cases of cholera were recorded last year, with one fatality, with the Wa Municipality recording the highest number of 21 cases, followed by the Jirapa District with 11.

 He therefore advised that people should adopt good hygienic and sanitary practices as a way of life, which could help to prevent an escalation of the situation.

 Source: Daily Graphic