The Head of Public Health at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, (KATH), Dr. Dennis Laryea has said that no one has died from the Ebola virus in the country yet.
According media reports, a 12-year-old girl referred to the facility from Ejisu died after exhibiting signs of severe fever and bleeding, both of which are symptoms of the dreaded Ebola virus currently causing chaos in the West African sub-region, especially Sierra Leone, Guinea and Mali.
A Sample of the girl�s blood has been sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for medical research in Accra.
But speaking to Kwami Sefa Kayi in an interview, Dr Laryea said no one has died from the virus.
He said they suspected a case of haemorrhagic fever which also gives out similar symptoms like the Ebola virus.
�We have not had a confirmed case of Ebola�we are investigating a case of hemorrhagic fever which has symptoms like the Ebola Virus�it has not yet been confirmed; investigations are still ongoing and within a day or two we shall get the results�
Dr. Laryea expressed regret at media reportage on the issue and advised them not to create �unnecessary tension and panic� especially in cases like this.
He also indicated that their major priority is to public safety; therefore when cases like this come up, they will not sit unconcerned but will inform the public and educate them against the disease.
When we heard of the news in the media we were not happy about it because if there is such a danger we will make the general public know. We will not withhold any information from the public, especially in cases like this� Whatever information we have to help the public, we will bring it out� We need to avoid causing unnecessary panic� you should rest assured that we have the interest of public health and safety at heart.
He also advised the general public to report any symptom to the nearest health centre.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Sherry Ayittey, has disclosed that the blood sample that was sent to the lab for further investigation has come out negative.
At a press conference held on Monday, the Minister of Health assured the public that the ministry and its stakeholders were on high alert to effectively manage the situation, in any unlikely event.
<<Print>>