By Michael Pepsin Avorgah, GNA
Aflao (V/R), July 3, GNA — The Ketu South Municipal Health Directorate has cautioned residents over increased risks of waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases following persistent rains and flooding in parts of the municipality.
Mr David Agbokpe, Municipal Health Director, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the ongoing rains had heightened the likelihood of outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery due to contamination of water sources.
He explained that floodwaters often wash faecal matter and other contaminants into streams, wells and other water bodies, increasing exposure to pathogenic organisms when proper hygiene and sanitation practices were not observed.
Mr Agbokpe also cautioned that stagnant water accumulating in discarded containers such as cans, tyres and plastic waste created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, thereby increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases, including malaria.
To mitigate these risks, he urged residents to maintain environmental sanitation by clearing their surroundings and eliminating potential water-holding containers.
He advised the public to practise proper food hygiene by thoroughly cooking meals, washing fruits and vegetables with clean water, preferably treated with salt or vinegar, and purchasing food only from hygienic and approved places.
The Director further emphasised the importance of regular hand hygiene, particularly washing hands with soap under running water before handling food and after using the toilet.
He encouraged residents to seek prompt medical attention at the nearest health facility upon experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, or general weakness.
Mr Agbokpe also advised food vendors to adhere strictly to food safety protocols, including proper storage of food, separation of raw and cooked items, and ensuring that their food handling certification remained valid.
He reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to safeguarding public health and called on all residents to cooperate with health authorities to prevent disease outbreaks during the rainy season.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade