Mr. Abanga Abdulai, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Binduri, has urged adherence to containment measures in the wake of the anthrax epidemic in the Binduri District of the Upper East Region.

According to Mr. Abanga, the Binduri District Health Directorate got information of two cases of suspected human anthrax cases. He claimed that as a result of the ingestion of a dead cattle, one person had died in Bansi.

“I will like, first of all, to express my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, and to wish affected patients’ speedy recovery. I wish to also urge all constituents to remain calm whilst the experts and essential stakeholders continue with ongoing efforts to contain the situation.”
Abanga Abdulai

The MP for Binduri urged every constituent to exercise due caution and adhere to the preventative and containment measures implemented by the Veterinary Services Department (VSD) and the health authorities.

He claimed to be informed of further suspected cases and the activation of contact tracing. He pointed out that the government had swiftly intervened by making enough vaccines and medications accessible to stop the outbreak and prevent it from getting worse.

The Member of Parliament for Binduri said that the Ministry of Health and the VSD had started mass immunizing of animals, while the infected were still receiving treatment.

He claimed to have also provided support in order to help the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) in the Binduri District effectively and quickly handle the crisis.

“It remains our desire and commitment to ensure that all our people are safe to enable them to continue with their daily endeavours.”
Abanga Abdulai

He urged everyone to go to the nearest medical institution as soon as they experienced any or all of the symptoms, including fever and chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, or dizziness.

The remaining symptoms include headache, bloody diarrhea, sweats (often drenching), loss of appetite, cough, nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort.

The MP pleaded with everyone to avoid eating or touching corpses out of an abundance of caution.

This Should Be Quickly Eradicated

Additionally, he urged everyone to immediately report any abnormal livestock developments to the security services, VSD, and health authorities for follow-up action.

“We all therefore have a duty to ensure that the situation doesn’t get out of hand,” he said.

Mr. Abanga stated that the government would make every effort to address the matter quickly, and that everyone is important to them in this group battle. He praised the devotion and commitment of the health authorities, the MOFA Animal Health Division, and all parties involved.

As stated by the MP for Binduri, they have done very well to stop any further spread. He urged them to uphold the professionalism and patriotism they had brought to this. He added that they could rely on him to support them as they carry out their jobs.

Moreover, he took use of the occasion to make an appeal to the media, religious institutions, and traditional leaders to join forces in educating the public about the different containment and safety protocols and precautions indicated by the experts.

The Food and Drug Authority (FDA) claims to have surveyed all cold storage facilities, slaughterhouses, dining establishments, and eateries in anthrax-prone areas for stock. According to the Authority, this will prevent the sale of meat for consumption to the general public that was in stock both before and after the outbreak.