The Ghana Education Service (GES) says it has received several reports of respiratory infections by some senior high school (SHS) students, particularly in the Ashanti, Eastern and Volta Regions.
In a letter to all Regional Directors, the Service disclosed that the infections are related to the H3N2 virus, the causative organism for most common colds.
Accordingly, it has put in place mechanisms to deal with the issues head on.
Apart from regular handwashing and observance of general hygiene rules, school authorities are to ensure adequate ventilation in all spaces and vaccination of students who are 15 years of age or above.
The service also said it has partnered with the Ghana Health Service in the deployment of additional nurses to SHS infirmaries where necessary, facilitating referral arrangements and sensitising staff and students on the infections and surveillance activities towards early detection and management of the cases.
The GES urged all Regional Directors, through the Metro/Municipal and District Directors, to ensure adherence to the directives by all Heads of Schools.
