De-worming scare hits Volta

Ho, Feb. 12, GNA - The Ho Municipality remained tense midday Monday as stories continue to circulate that pupils were falling sick and even dying after being administered with a de-wormer under the nationwide schools de-worming exercise.

The Municipal Hospital was jammed with parents who rushed their children there in cars and on foot for medical attention. Hospital sources said they were in control of the situation even though the sheer numbers that thronged the hospital overwhelmed them. Some of the pupils were treated for dizziness, while others were advised to take a lot of water and rest at home.

Some parents gave their children palm oil as emetic. Traffic was busy as parents crisscrossed town in efforts to get to the schools early enough to stop their children from taking the drug. Some parents, especially women broke down in tears, some beating their breast when they asked and were told their children had already taken the de-wormer.

Some parents wailed and questioned why the wholesale de-worming when they had been doing so on their own.

At Mawuli J.S.S., an inscription "There will be no deaths, we trust in God", was pasted at the entrance of the school. Some parents who called at the school were heard praying in tongues.

A nurse at the Municipal Hospital who pleaded anonymity, said the reactions were due to the wrong timing of the administration of the de-wormer, saying such drugs were taken in the evening after supper. Similar reports of worried and agitated parents were reported from all over the region.

Parents in Lome in the Republic of Togo, whose children were in school in Ghana were said to have rushed over the borders to pick their children.

Dr. Atsu Seake-Kwao, Medical Superintendent of the Keta Hospital denied that there were deaths among pupils who took the de-wormer. Dr Andrews Ayim, Ketu District Director of Health said only two pupils were brought to the Ketu District Hospital suffering from stomach disorders supposedly after taking the de-wormer.

Medical sources at the Dzodze Saint Anthony's Hospital said parents brought some pupils there suffering from dizziness. Mr Baba Moro, Dzodze District Police Commander said the police found it difficult in controlling parents who crisscrossed traffic in and out of the schools and the hospital.

Mr Francis Korwu, Ho Municipal Director of Education who was in Kabore School, said on hearing that the rumour emanated from the Keta, he called to verify only to be told that they had also heard it from Sogakope.