Ghana has announced the detection of Poliovirus Type-2, constituting a Public Health Emergency.
The Minister for Health, Dr Bernard Oko Boye in a statement dated September 16, 2024, said it was detected from an environmental sample in the Koforidua site in the Eastern Region by the Polio Laboratory of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR)
This was during routine surveillance activities on polio, it said.
“The sample was collected on 20th August 2024. The isolation result was obtained on 3rd September 2024 as suspected polio and subsequently confirmed as cVDPV2 on 5th September 2024. This detection of environmental polio constitutes a Public Health Emergency.”
It added, “We wish to assure the public that the Ministry of Health together with its partners is doing everything possible to prevent the further spread of the virus from the environment to humans.”
Response
In response to this Public Health Emergency, the Minister said he was collaborating with partners through the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to detail field investigation to identify possible sources of infection and determine the extent of geographic spread.
Additionally, the Ministry will engage in risk assessment and potential for further spread, including transmission to humans; enhance surveillance; and undertake advocacy, communication and social mobilization.
Directive
The public has been directed by the Ministry to cultivate the habit of handwashing after using any toilet facility, before eating or before feeding babies, and after playing (especially for children).
The general public has also been advised against open defecation as well as sanitizing toilet facilities with disinfectant.
Additionally, parents or caregivers are encouraged to complete the instituted vaccination schedule to protect their wards.