Health authorities have confirmed four cases of measles at Kpone Kokompe in the Kpone-Katamanso Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
The Medical Superintendent of the Kpone District Hospital, Dr Jemima Quarte Mensah, disclosed this during the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly’s General Assembly meeting at Kpone.
She said health authorities have intensified surveillance, contact tracing and other public health interventions to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission of the viral infection.
According to Dr Mensah, contact tracing and other planned activities have already been undertaken as part of efforts to contain and eventually eradicate the infection in the affected community.
Parents urged to seek medical attention
Dr Mensah urged parents and guardians to promptly report suspected measles cases to the nearest health facility for proper assessment and treatment.
She cautioned residents against treating suspected cases with traditional remedies, local gin or other unapproved methods.
According to her, self-medication could worsen the condition of affected persons and, in some cases, result in preventable deaths.
“Parents should not hesitate to take their children to health facilities when they suspect any signs of measles,” she advised.
Schools, churches urged to be vigilant
The Medical Superintendent also called on schools, churches and other institutions where large numbers of people gather to strengthen preventive measures to minimise the risk of transmission.
She urged such institutions to maintain good hygiene practices, monitor individuals who show signs of illness and encourage suspected cases to seek medical attention immediately.
Dr Mensah stressed that early reporting, community cooperation and compliance with public health directives would be critical to containing the outbreak.
She appealed to residents to remain vigilant and support health personnel as they work to prevent the disease from spreading to other communities within the municipality.
