The Ministry of Health has announced the detection of a circulating Vaccine Derived Poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in an environmental sample collected in the Eastern regional capital of Koforidua.
The discovery was made during routine surveillance activities conducted by the Polio Laboratory of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, September 17, the Minister of Health, Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye, confirmed that the poliovirus was identified in a sample collected on August 20, with the confirmation of the virus as cVDPV2 being received on September 5.
Dr Okoe-Boye described the detection as a “public health emergency” and stressed the need for swift action to prevent the virus from spreading.
To address the situation, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, has launched field investigations to trace the possible source of the infection and assess the risk of further geographic spread, including to humans. Enhanced surveillance measures have also been put in place to monitor the situation closely.
As part of the response, the ministry has urged the public to take precautionary measures such as improved handwashing, proper sanitation practices, and ensuring the use of toilets or safe disposal of faeces.
Parents are also strongly encouraged to ensure their children complete their vaccination schedules to bolster immunity.
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