Ghana has confirmed 43 cholera cases with two fatalities so far.
Currently, 12 people are receiving treatment, and nearly 200 suspected cases have been reported, all within the Ada East and West districts of the Greater Accra Region.
Health officials indicate that, some of the confirmed cases were brought in from neighbouring countries, which are also experiencing cholera outbreaks.
On October 11, the Ghana Health Service declared a cholera outbreak in the Ada East and West districts.
Since then, the District Security Coordinating Councils have implemented several key interventions to control the spread.
The Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Franklyn Asiedu Bekoe in an interview with 3news explained that the country’s response focuses on three main strategies which are early case identification, contact tracing, and improving sanitation.
He highlighted that some cases were imported by Ghanaian traders crossing regional borders.
Efforts are being made to curb the spread and tackle sanitation issues in coastal communities in collaboration with various stakeholders.
“Significant progress is being made,” Dr. Bekoe stated. “Oral rehydration centers have been established in the affected areas to provide first aid. Although the number of cases is rising and the risk of spread is high, most cases are mild. Of the 43 confirmed cases, 37 are in Ada East and six in Ada West. We are monitoring close to 200 suspected cases, and 12 individuals remain hospitalized, with two deaths recorded,” he noted.
Source: Richard Nana Appiah Kubi/Ahotoronline.com
