By Linda Naa Deide Aryeetey
Accra, Oct 14.GNA – Ghana has recorded nine cholera cases in the Ada West and East districts of the Greater Accra Region.
A statement issued by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in Accra on Monday said the first case was confirmed on October 4, 2024 in the Ada West District.
The statement indicated that the infected individual sought treatment at a health facility with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain a few days after attending a funeral in Ada East.
It also noted that a cholera case was subsequently confirmed in the Ada East District.
In response, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has activated Public Health Emergency Management Committees (PHEMCs) at all levels to address the situation.
These include a joint multi-sectoral Public Health Emergency Rapid Response Team (PHERRT) comprising members from national, regional, and district levels, as well as representatives from the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Ghana Education Service (GES), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and Environmental Health Units from the two affected districts.
The statement said that an ongoing outbreak investigation and environmental assessment are being conducted, with alerts sent to all health facilities across the country.
It noted that healthcare workers in the affected areas have been sensitised to cholera case definitions, sample management, and case management.
The statement said a daily active community case search was being carried out, and strict infection prevention and control practices have been enforced in all health facilities.
It said a cholera oral rehydration center for cases with mild symptoms had been established.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cholera remains a global threat to public health and serves as an indicator of inequity and a lack of social development.
Symptoms of cholera include frequent diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, along with abdominal cramps, fever, headache, fatigue, dry mouth and throat, and decreased urine output.
Medical experts warn that severe cases of the disease can be fatal within hours if left untreated.
Most individuals infected with cholera may not exhibit symptoms, but the bacteria can still be present in their feaces for 1 to 10 days post-infection, potentially contaminating the environment and infecting others.
A minority of patients develop acute watery diarrhea with severe dehydration. This can lead to death if left untreated.
Cholera transmission is closely linked to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Typical at-risk areas include peri-urban slums, as well as camps for internally displaced persons.
Early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing complications and reducing mortality.
The Ghana Health Service has advised the public to drink safe treated water, eat well cooked or properly handled food, avoid close contact with infected individuals, practice good hygiene; wash hands with soap under running water, ensure a proper disposal of faces and report to the nearest health facility if experiencing profuse diarrhoea and vomiting.
GNA