|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Ashanti Region has confirmed its first five cholera cases, distributed across three districts. As of December 28, 2024, the Sekyere South District has reported the highest number of cases with three, while Kumasi and Bekwai have each recorded one case.
Out of 28 suspected cases, laboratory tests confirmed five positive results, signaling the region’s entry into a broader cholera outbreak affecting parts of Ghana.
Nationwide Impact
The Ashanti Region joins the Western, Greater Accra, and Central Regions, all of which have been grappling with cholera outbreaks in recent months. Nationally, health authorities have documented 4,155 suspected cases and 35 fatalities as of December 23, 2024.
Emergency Response
In light of the outbreak, the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has heightened its response measures. An emergency meeting was convened at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, involving key stakeholders such as the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), environmental health officers, water and sanitation departments, and district health directors.
To combat the outbreak, the following measures have been implemented:
Disinfecting homes of confirmed cases.
Isolating patients and conducting contact tracing.
Enhancing public health surveillance and response coordination with district teams.
Activating public health emergency committees in affected areas.
An initial assessment of the affected communities in Bekwai and Sekyere South revealed that all confirmed cases were isolated to specific households. None of the affected individuals had used public restrooms, narrowing potential sources of transmission.
Public Awareness and Healthcare Training
The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, led by Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, has intensified public education efforts to raise awareness about cholera prevention. Healthcare workers across the region have also received training on identifying cases, defining symptoms, and tracing contacts.
> “These efforts are crucial in ensuring an effective response and preventing further spread of the disease,” stated Dr. Adomako-Boateng.
Historical Context
The cholera outbreak was initially reported earlier this year in the Western Region, where over 100 cases were recorded, resulting in 15 deaths. This recent spread to the Ashanti Region underscores the urgent need for robust public health measures nationwide.
Health authorities continue to urge citizens to prioritize hygiene practices, ensure proper waste disposal, and seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as severe diarrhea and dehydration.
Email Daily Mail GH: stories@dailymailgh.com or
Whatsapp: +233(0)509928122
