'Don't Miss Early Symptoms of Ebola'

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) is appealing to pharmacists especially those in community practice to be extra careful in dealing with clients who seek first aid treatment for simple ailments of common occurrence in order not to miss possible early symptoms of Ebola virus disease (EVD).

In a release copied to the DAILY GUIDE and signed by Pharmacists James Ohemeng Kyei, President of PSGH, it noted that 'it is not always possible to identify patients with EVD early since initial symptoms may be non-specific therefore, when in doubt pharmacists should refer any suspected case to the nearest hospital for review.'

Pharmacists were encouraged to sensitise their clients on the symptoms of the EVD and advise them on preventive measures as new medication therapies were being evaluated.

The PSGH further appealed to pharmacists involved in research and development in various pharmaceutical institutions to intensify their research efforts in order to find quality, efficacious and state vaccines and or medicines that could prevent or cure this dreadful disease.

'Pharmacists are reminded that EVD is a severe acute viral illness often characterised by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function and in some cases both internal and external bleeding,' the statement said.

Since the outbreak of Ebola virus disease, known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever in humans in Guinea and some parts of the West African Region, Ghana has not recorded any case yet.

However, the government and PSGH have made calls to ensure that members of the public who patronise community pharmacies as their first point of call when they have simple ailments of common occurrence like malaria, fever and headache are not missed.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri