Ghana is grappling with a cholera outbreak that has already claimed 16 lives and affected 116 individuals across the Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, and Western regions, raising significant alarm among health officials and communities.
In response, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) urges the public to reinstate COVID-19-era hygiene measures to curb the disease’s spread. Dr. Dennis Laryea, Deputy Director of Disease Surveillance at GHS, stressed that the fatalities could have been prevented had early treatment been sought. He noted that many victims arrived at healthcare facilities too late, resulting in fatal dehydration and organ failure. Symptoms like vomiting and watery diarrhea should prompt immediate medical attention, he advised.
In Osu, a cholera-affected area in Greater Accra’s Korley Klottey Municipality, residents reported sanitation issues exacerbated by an inconsistent water supply, impacting even basic needs like toilet cleaning. They called on authorities to address water shortages to help combat the spread of cholera. Inadequate waste management has also become a concern, with refuse piles posing further health risks, especially for children playing nearby and food exposed to flies.
The outbreak highlights persisting public health challenges, as poor personal hygiene, unsafe food handling, and untreated waste continue to increase the risk of infection. Dr. Laryea emphasized the critical need for handwashing, thorough cleaning of fruits and vegetables, and proper sanitation to prevent the bacteria from thriving in communities already at risk.
