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The Ministry of Health has announced the detection of a circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in an environmental sample from Koforidua, the capital of the Eastern Region.
The discovery was made during routine surveillance by the Polio Laboratory of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. In a press release on Tuesday, September 17, the Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, confirmed that the sample, collected on August 20, tested positive for cVDPV2, with confirmation received on September 5.
Dr. Okoe-Boye described the detection as a “public health emergency” and emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent the virus from spreading. In response, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ghana Health Service, has initiated field investigations to trace the source of the infection and evaluate the risk of further spread, including to humans. Enhanced surveillance measures have also been implemented to monitor the situation closely.
The ministry is urging the public to adopt precautionary measures such as regular handwashing, maintaining proper sanitation, and using toilets or safely disposing of waste. Parents are strongly encouraged to ensure their children complete their vaccination schedules to strengthen immunity.
Source:Omanghana.com
