An outbreak of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza disease, also known as Bird Flu, has been reported in the Greater Accra Region and other parts of the country.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Central and Volta regions have also been hit by the disease.
“The outbreak of the disease follows the detection of similar cases in neighbouring countries since January 2021. Through effective surveillance and disease control management, the Veterinary Services Directorate has prevented the extension of the disease into Ghana until now.
“Cases of the Bird Flu disease were previously recorded in 2007, 2015, 2016, and 2018, with significant economic impact on affected poultry farmers,†the statement explained.
The statement cautioned that the zoonotic nature of the disease calls for public alert and vigilance to mitigate the possible impact on the poultry industry and public health in general.
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Bird flu symptoms in humans can vary and range from typical flu symptoms (fever, sore throat, muscle pain) to eye infections and pneumonia.
The disease caused by the H5N1 virus is a particularly severe form of pneumonia that leads to viral pneumonia and multiorgan failure in many people who become infected.
Up to 50% of humans who contract bird flu die from the infection, but the actual numbers vary widely based upon the strain of the virus and the underlying health and age of the patients.
Doctors advise that during an outbreak of bird flu, people should avoid contact with domesticated bird populations and surfaces that may have been contaminated by bird excretions.
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