A cholera outbreak in the Ada area has resulted in the deaths of two individuals, with a total of 43 cases reported so far, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced.
The outbreak which has affected both the Ada East and Ada West Districts in the Greater Accra Region, has raised significant health concerns.
In response to the alarming situation, health officials have mobilized resources to contain the outbreak and prevent further fatalities.
The Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Frank Bekoe, confirmed the latest figures during a media interview and outlined ongoing efforts to manage the cases effectively.
Dr. Bekoe also highlighted that authorities were closely monitoring the outbreak, focusing on early detection of new cases and contact tracing of affected individuals.
These measures are critical in limiting the spread of cholera and ensuring that those infected receive timely treatment.
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“So we have 37 confirmed cases from Ada East, and then six confirmed cases in Ada West. For us, we are looking at mortalities. I think that since the outbreak started, we have had two mortalities. And what we are doing is that we are trying to make sure that we identify the cases quite early and identify the contacts and follow them up, and that is what we have been doing in our circumstances”.
Cholera is a highly infectious disease caused by the vibrio cholerae bacteria primarily transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food and water.
The conditions that often facilitate the spread of cholera include poor sanitation and limited access to safe water sources.
Health officials are urging the public to adhere to hygienic practices, such as regular handwashing and consuming only properly treated water, to reduce the risk of infection.
Symptoms of cholera include severe diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration, which can rapidly lead to death if not treated promptly.
The GHS is urging individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention to mitigate the risk of severe outcomes from the disease.
Meanwhile, authorities in Ada West have banned the sharing of foods and drinks at funerals.
The decision is one of the interventions being adopted by the District Security Council to control the spread of cholera in the Ada West District.
