Cholera outbreak: 27 dead, 252 infected in recent surge
A cholera outbreak in Ghana has resulted in 27 deaths and 252 confirmed infections over the past two and a half months.
As of December 10th, the outbreak has spread across 36 districts in the Greater Accra, Central, Western, and Eastern regions, with 3,292 suspected cases reported.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has recorded 190 cholera-related admissions in the Western Region, while five people are currently hospitalized in the Central Region.
Dr. Dennis Laryea, Head of Disease Surveillance at GHS, confirmed 70 cases in Greater Accra, 92 in the Central Region, 88 in the Western Region, and 25 in the Eastern Region.
He noted that while most cases were not severe, fatalities had occurred due to delays in seeking medical care.
“Deaths are occurring, because most of the patients who had cholera tried to self-medicate, some report to the hospital three days after the cholera infection,” he said.
Dr. Laryea attributed the cholera outbreak to several factors, including the lack of clean water in some affected districts, open defecation, and poor hand hygiene.
He urged the public to regularly wash hands with soap under running water, or use hand sanitizers if clean water is unavailable.
A coordinated response, including public health interventions, surveillance, and vaccination campaigns, is underway in affected areas, particularly in the Western Region.
The Ministry of Health has activated regional and district emergency committees, and rapid response teams have been deployed to contain the outbreak.
Although Ghana did not experience a cholera outbreak between 2017 and 2023, a few indigenous cases were reported.
Dr. Laryea said that the handwashing practices adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic played an effective role in controlling infectious diseases.
Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, is a major public health threat, particularly in areas with poor sanitation.
Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, abdominal cramps, fever, and fatigue.
In severe cases, cholera can lead to death within hours without treatment.
Many people infected with cholera may not show symptoms but can still spread the bacteria through their faeces.
Cholera is closely linked to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, making peri-urban slums and displacement camps high-risk areas.
Early detection and treatment are vital to prevent serious complications and death.
The Ghana Health Service has advised the public to drink treated water, eat properly cooked food, avoid close contact with infected individuals, maintain good hygiene practices, ensure proper disposal of feces, and seek medical attention immediately if experiencing severe diarrhea and vomiting.
Source: GNA