Noguchi test for Ebola proves negative
Accra , April 8, GNA - Samples of blood collected from the 12-year old girl suspected to have died of the deadly Ebola virus for analysis by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) have proved negative. The test result did not however indicate the actual death of the girl, which occurred at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital over the weekend. Speaking to Ghana News Agency in Accra, Mr Tony Goodman, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health said though the hullabaloo surrounding the girls death has now been established, the Ministry would not relax in its efforts to prevent the virus in spreading to the country. He said the Ministry has set up a taskforce to monitor a possible occurrence of the disease and is setting up 66 quarantine centres especially at health facilities across the country. He explained that a National Technical Coordinating Committee meeting has developed a comprehensive preparedness and response plans for Ebola and is working with WHO Country Representative for technical support and advice. Fact Sheet on Ebola, Surveillance and interim Infection Control Recommendations by WHO have been sent to all Regional Directors of Health Services whilst alert messages have been sent to regions, districts and health facilities. Mr Goodman said port health staff has been given orientation on surveillance to detect and notify accordingly while collaborative surveillance efforts have been put in place with animal health/Wildlife. The WHO does not currently recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied to Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone based on the current information available. The Ebola virus has already claimed more than 80 lives in Guinea alone. It has also killed more than five people in Liberia. As of April 2, a total of 134 suspected cases including 84 deaths (case fatality ratio had been reported from six districts including Conakry the capital of Guinea. 46 clinical samples from Guinea have been confirmed positive for the Ebola virus in the Laboratory. There are sign of spread of the deadly disease to other countries. Ebola is a severe, infectious often-fatal disease in humans that presents with high fever and bleeding. There is no vaccine against Ebola. It is very infectious and can kill in a short time but Ebola can be prevented. The virus is characterised by sudden onset of fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is often followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and bleeding tendencies (both internal and external) that may include blood spots in the eyes, blood in the vomitus, sputum, urine or stool, bleeding from the nose and other body openings. The virus is spread through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected or dead animals. In Africa, infection has been documented through the handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines found dead or ill in the rainforest. Direct physical contact with body fluids of infected persons like blood, saliva, stool, vomitus, urine, and soiled linen. Burial ceremonies where mourners have direct contact with the body of the deceased person can play a role in the transmission of Ebola.GNA
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