Health authorities in Ghana have reported the detection of unusual cases of an illness similar to malaria in some districts of the Eastern Region.
The cases did not respond to antimalarial treatments and were treated as acute febrile illness. Patient samples were sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research for analysis. Nine of the cases tested positive for dengue. They are currently being treated as non-severe cases at home.
A national team, consisting of entomologists and epidemiologists, has joined the regional team to investigate the outbreak. Measures and preparedness actions are being taken, including increased surveillance, public education, and an entomological assessment, among other actions.
In 2023, Ghana reported a total of 18 dengue cases and no deaths.
