Ghana is facing a concerning cholera outbreak, with a staggering 4,155 suspected cases and 35 deaths reported as of December 23, 2024.
This information comes directly from the Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye.
The Western Region has been hit the hardest, recording 17 deaths. To combat the outbreak, a targeted oral vaccination campaign was implemented in several hotspots between November 30 and December 19, 2024.
These areas include: Awutu Senya East, Ahanta West, Effia-Kwesimintim, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Shama metro/municipals.
Over 662,000 people out of the targeted 792,000 received the vaccine. Encouragingly, cases have steadily declined in these districts following the vaccination campaign. Awutu Senya East, in particular, has seen no new confirmed cases since the vaccination drive.
Despite this progress, Dr. Aboagye urges the public to remain vigilant, especially as we enter the festive Christmas season.
Anyone experiencing diarrhea and vomiting should immediately seek medical attention at the nearest health facility. Dr. Aboagye also emphasized the importance of preventive measures, including:
- Drinking only potable water
- Consuming hot, well-cooked food
- Thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before eating
- Practicing proper hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and running water:
- Before preparing food
- Before eating
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers
- After touching surfaces
Ghana Fights Cholera Outbreak with Vaccination Campaign
The World Health Organization (WHO) has meanwhile stressed the severity of cholera, a highly contagious illness that can be fatal if left untreated and urged communities to participate in the vaccination campaign.
This outbreak serves as a reminder of the critical need for public health awareness and proactive measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
