The most effective way of tackling the Marburg outbreak in Ghana is early detection through contact tracing and early isolation, a Public Health Expert at Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Dr Banda Khalifa, has said.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) announced on Thursday July 8 the presence of two suspected cases of Marburg virus disease in Ghana.
The GHS said the cases were found in the Ashanti Region.
It also said the disease was suspected following the identification of two persons who met the case definition for an Acute Haemorrhagic Fever at two different locations in the Ashanti Region.
Speaking on the News 360 on TV3, Sunday July 10, Dr Khalifa said “I think that for this particular virus the most important strategy of breaking the chain of transmission is by early detection. Early detection through contact tracing, early isolation and management of cases.”
He also said top notch contact tracing mechanisms are very critical in tackling the virus.
“We must ensure that our contact tracing mechanisms are top notch,” he stressed.
He cautioned persons against coming into contact with fluid as such as saliva and blood.
Also, Dr Khalifa called for effective community education to enlighten the people on how to handle people who may have suspected cases.
