GHS calls for vigilance as cholera cases rise, recommends COVID-19-era hygiene practices

Acca, Ghana - Nov 14, 2024 -  A cholera outbreak has swept across four regions in Ghana - Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, and Western - claiming 16 lives and infecting 116 people.The Ghana Health Service (GHS) is therby urging citizens to revisit COVID-19 hygiene protocols to curb the spread.

Cholera's Devastating Impact

In 2017, Ghana witnessed its worst cholera outbreak, with over 24,000 cases recorded nationwide.

Although cases declined between 2020 and 2023 due to improved hygiene practices, the current outbreak highlights the need for continued vigilance.

Community Concerns

Residents in affected areas, such as Osu in the Korley Klottey Municipality, face significant sanitation challenges. Inconsistent tap water supply and poor waste management have created breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes and bacteria.

Expert Insights

Dr. Dennis Laryea, Deputy Director of Disease Surveillance at GHS, emphasizes that early medical intervention can prevent deaths. 

“Our concerns have had to do with the death. The numbers yes but quite a number of them were brought in dead, which means they were delayed in seeking care. About seven or eight of them were brought in dead.

“The majority of the others spent less than 12 to 24 hours on admission. That meant that we had little time to make a difference. Their kidneys may have stopped functioning due to dehydration. We have seen some changes in some of the districts. Once you start developing symptoms; vomiting, watery diarrhoea, get to the health facility,” he stated.

To combat the outbreak, GHS advises:

- Frequent Handwashing: with soap and clean water
- Proper Food Handling: washing fruits and vegetables with clean water
- Improved Sanitation: addressing waste management and ensuring steady water supply

Source: Florence Kyei /Lead News Online