Passengers entering Ghana from China to be screened for Coronavirus

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced measures to prevent and control the Coronavirus which has killed nine persons in China.

As part of the measures, the Ministry says passengers who come into Ghana from China would undergo enhanced screening procedures including the administration of health questionnaire.

A statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, said the Ministry is also implementing enhanced surveillance at points of entry especially at the Kotoka International Airport to prevent the spread of the disease.

It added that alert messages have been sent to all the 16 regions on the outbreak in addition to guidance information on the disease

It also assured that the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research has the capacity to diagnose the virus.

The statement also outlined measures to be followed by the public in order to prevent a spread of the disease.

The measures include:     

• Regular washing of hands with soap and water
• Hand rubbing with alcohol is also advised where available
• Keep a distance of at least one step (one meter) from a person showing signs of fever, cough and difficulty in breathing
• lf contact with a sick person or with potentially infected surfaces or objects occurs, those involved must not touch their eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• lt is advisable to be physically active, drink plenty of fluids, eat well, reduce stress and have enough sleep
• People should seek treatment immediately if infection is suspected, if symptoms occur or when advised by a health worker

Nine dead

Nine persons have died in China following the outbreak of a new virus in that country.

440 cases of the said virus have so far been recorded in China.

The virus, known also as 2019-nCoV, is said to be a new strain of coronavirus that has not previously been identified in humans.

CNN reports that the virus was first detected at Wuhan and has spread to other Chinese provinces and other countries including Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States.

According to the website, although the coronavirus was detected in mid-December 2019 infrared temperature screening areas were not installed in the city’s airports and stations until January 14.

Chinese health authorities say the virus can spread from human to the other.

Signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.