Credit: Kekeli K. Blamey
A cholera outbreak in the Central Region of Ghana has resulted in the deaths of 14 people, with 180 confirmed cases reported since the first case was recorded in late October 2024.
According to the Regional Health Directorate, a total of 1,929 suspected cases have been recorded in the region, with 28 patients still receiving treatment at various health facilities.
Disease Surveillance Officer at the Regional Health Directorate, Enoch Koomson, revealed that 20 out of the 22 districts in the region have recorded cases of cholera.
Mr. Koomson stated that the Awutu Senya Municipality has recorded the highest number of suspected cases, with 565 reported, followed by Agona West with 283 cases, and Effutu with 259 suspected cases.
The Upper Denkyira East and Assin South districts remain the only two districts in the region that have not recorded any cases of cholera.
Mr. Koomson emphasized the need for improved hygiene practices to reduce the number of cases and break the transmission of the disease.
Regional Health Promotion Officer, Mathew Ahwireng, urged the public to avoid eating from unsanitary sources and to eat food at the right temperatures.
Mr. Ahwireng also advised educational institutions to monitor food vendors to prevent outbreaks on campuses, which he warned could be disastrous.
He urged the public to seek medical attention promptly, stressing that treatment for cholera remains free and delays can be fatal.
Mr. Ahwireng appealed to the media to help create awareness about the outbreak, particularly with the rainy season approaching, which could worsen the situation.
Deputy Director of Public Health at the Regional Health Directorate, Dr. Joojo Cobbinah, stated that all educational institutions are being treated as potential hotspots.
Dr. Cobbinah revealed that the Regional Health Directorate has engaged with the University of Cape Coast health authorities to encourage them to create awareness about the disease.
He stated that measures have been put in place to prevent and respond to any cases of cholera on campuses.
The Regional Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, Francisca Obeng, assured that sachet water produced in the region is safe for drinking, according to the FDA’s checks and standards.
