Health ministry calls for vigilance in the wake of anthrax scare

The Ministry of Health says Ghana is immediately not at risk from an Anthrax emergency even though two major African countries have confirmed being exposed to the bacteria which mainly affects animals. Ghana, which is Anthrax endemic, can only be exposed to a public health emergency through a deliberate action.

Speaking to JOY-FM, the acting Director of Public Health, Dr George Amofa warned that even though humans are not highly predisposed to the disease unlike livestock, there is the need to remain calm and vigilant.

The acting Director said the incidence of Anthrax in humans is effectively managed in the various health institutions as the disease is a common public health problem in parts of the country especially in the northern regions. Dr Amofa said the health ministry will soon issue an official statement to guide public conduct in the face of the current Anthrax scare.

The Human Anthrax problem in Ghana came to the fore in the late 1970’s when the disease was noticed in people who had consumed infected carcasses. The bacteria responsible for the disease, Bacillus Anthraxis afflicts cattle, sheep, horses and swine.

Last year seven cases were recorded in the Northern region with one death. So far, 17 cases have been recorded this year with only one death mainly in the Kassena Nankana District of the Upper-East Region