Accra, Ghana – Health officials in Ghana are investigating a cluster of pneumonia cases with unknown causes, sparking concerns, and prompting precautionary measures. While no official public announcement has been made, reports indicate doctors have identified several cases among senior high school students, university students, and teachers in the Northern, Oti, and Volta regions.
Cough, Difficulty Breathing, and Fever: Common Symptoms
Patients experiencing the illness exhibit common pneumonia symptoms like cough, difficulty breathing, and fever. X-rays confirm pneumonia, but standard tests, including COVID-19 tests, have come back negative. The unknown cause has led doctors to caution family and friends of infected individuals to wear face masks until the cause is identified.
Our preliminary Investigation Points to Potential Pathogens
While the official cause remains undetermined, our initial investigations points to several potential culprits. Viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are considered possibilities. Bacterial infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila are also possible cause of the pneumonia like symptoms. Less common fungal infections like Histoplasma capsulatum and Coccidioides imitis can also present in similar manner. Potential new strains of Covid-19 are not ruled out.
Samples Sent for Further Testing
Samples from infected individuals have been sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research for further analysis. This comprehensive testing aims to definitively identify the pathogen responsible for the clusters and guide appropriate treatment strategies.
Current Situation: No Deaths Reported, Admissions Recorded
Thankfully, no deaths have been attributed to this pneumonia of unknown origin. However, all reported cases have required hospital admission, highlighting the potential severity of the illness.
Clinicians cautioned and encouraged to maintain strict IPC.
While awaiting official information, health officials have urged clinicians to practice caution and maintain good hygiene practices. Regular handwashing, wearing masks, and maintaining strict infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies are recommended precautions. In Margret Marquart Catholic Hospital, Kpando the Public Health Physician has issued an alert advising Clinicians of the standard protocols to be observed, while cautioning against the sharing of information to the public as far back in January 2024.
Alert-Rising incidence of severe acute respiratory infections among students-MMCH
Information Gap Creates Anxiety, Transparency Urged
The lack of formal public communication has caused some anxiety among affected communities. Many people affected have called call for increased transparency and timely updates from health authorities to alleviate concerns and promote informed decision-making.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Please if you have any information you could share with us using the below form.
Authors
Solomon Awiagah, Student (Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science, UDS)
