Following the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1), more commonly known as bird flu, in Lomé, Togo, Ghana is on high alert.
The Volta Regional Health Directorate made the outbreak announcement and reported that it had resulted in the deaths of over a thousand birds.
The Ghana Health Service in a statement said: “The Volta Regional Health Directorate wishes to notify all stakeholders of the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in Lomé, Togo, on the 22nd June 2023.
“The outbreak has killed about 1,450 of a flock of 1,500 birds, with the remaining birds being culled. All districts, particularly those bordering the Republic of Togo, health facilities, and port health units are to heighten their surveillance activities for HPAI A(H5N1) disease.”
In its statement, the GHS advised locals to stay away from close encounters with wild birds and recommended people to just view them from a distance.
“As a general precaution, whenever possible people should avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance. Wild birds can be infected with avian (bird) influenza (flu) A viruses even if they do not look sick.
“Avoid unprotected contact with domestic birds (poultry) that look sick or have died. Do not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with saliva, mucous, or faeces from wild or domestic birds.
“Use protective equipment like gloves, an N95 respirator if available or, if not available, a well-fitting facemask and eye protection. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after contact with birds or surfaces that may be contaminated with saliva, mucous, or faeces from wild or domestic birds,” it advised in its statement.
The Service further exhorted medical establishments to step up their surveillance efforts for the HPAI A(H5N1) virus.
“All districts, particularly those bordering the Republic of Togo, health facilities, and port health units are to heighten their surveillance activities for HPAI A(H5N1) disease, “it entreated.