By: Deborah Amewoyi
In October 2024 last year, Health facilities across the Greater Accra, Central, Western, Ashanti and Eastern regions in Ghana have seen a resurgence of cholera cases across the country. The outbreak resulted into some deaths with other cholera patients in critical conditions at the various health facilities.
The Ghana Health Service on Friday, Feburary 14, 2025 launched a cholera vaccination campaign in Accra as part of its effort to curb the increasing cases of the cholera epidemic in the various regions but vaccination is not the only means to stop the increasing numbers of cholera cases in the country.
What is there to know about Cholera?
Cholera is a water borne disease that results from consuming contaminated water or food. This infection occurs when a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae affects the small intestine of an individual causing diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration. It is now crucial to practice good hygiene in midst of the cholera rebound in order not to catch the infection.
Here are some healthy tips to be practiced aside being vaccinated against the cholera infection.
- Drink safe water: Drink water from trusted sources such as municipal supplies or properly filtered/boiled water.
- Wash hands frequently: Wash your hands with soap and clean water, especially after using the toilet and before handling food.
- Cook food thoroughly: Meals must be well cooked under appropraite heat to kill cholera bacteria.
- Avoid undercooked or raw foods:Vegetables must be wash thoroughly with salt water or vinegar for safe consumption.
- Avoid contaminated foods: Avoid consuming foods that may have come into contact with contaminated water and flies.
- Use clean utensils and plates: Use clean utensils and plates when handling and eating food.
- Keep living spaces clean: Maintain clean living spaces, free from garbage and filth.
- Dispose of waste properly: Dispose of waste properly to prevent the spread of cholera.
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals: Avoid close contact with individuals infected with cholera to prevent transmission.
- Get vaccinated: Consider getting vaccinated against cholera if you live in an outbreak-prone area or plan to travel to such areas.
