Scientists at the University of Ghana say they have obtained critical information about the virus that is responsible for the covid-19 pandemic. This information, they say will enable tracing of community infections in people who did not come into contact with already confirmed cases.
The Scientists, who work at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and the West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) of the University analysed samples from some selected cases to gain a comprehensive understanding of the different mutations of the virus that are present in Ghana
According to a statement issued by the University, a total of nine samples were taken from travellers who arrived in Ghana from UK, Norway, Hungary, India and United States. “The data tells us that, while there were some differences between the strains from the various countries, all the 15 genomes were of 92% similarity to the reference strain that was isolated in the Wuhan province of China, where the outbreak began”, Prof. Gordon Awandare, Director of WACCBIP is quoted in a press release.
He further stated that “we will need to continue monitoring to keep track with these changes and determine how they impact on the efficacy of potential drugs or vaccines that are being developed”.
Ghana has recorded 408 cases of Covid-19, with 4 recoveries and 8 deaths.
Source: GhanaCelebrities.com