By Emmanuel Gamson
Sekondi (W/R), Nov. 21, GNA – The Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region has recorded two deaths, 79 suspected and 23 confirmed cases of cholera outbreak between November 3rd, and 20th 2024.
Madam Mercy Nkrumah, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Disease Control Officer, who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency, said the age group of all the reported cases ranged between two and 89 years, who had their food history showing that they ate from food vendors.
She said their surveillance report showed that none of the infected individuals had a travel history from places that had already recorded cholera cases.
She stated that most of the cases were recorded from Effiakuma and Kwesimintsim, with some coming from Diabene, Eshiem and Ahinkofikrom among other areas.
Madam Nkrumah noted that the health team were on the grounds to put in place measures to bring the situation under control.
She said the team had intensified public education by visiting churches, markets, lorry stations and other public places.
“We have done a lot, and we are still doing more to educate the general public on the need for them to keep safe and clean environment, because for cholera, environmental health and sanitation, as well as clean water are key to fighting the disease,” she added.
She said the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Environmental Health Directorate had been tasked to screen food vendors in the various communities, while educating them on ensuring best hygiene practices around their vending points.
She encouraged the people to strictly adhere to the GHS laid down cholera preventive protocols, to help stem the spread of the disease.
Madam Nkrumah also advised residents to seek immediate medical attention when they experienced some common symptoms of cholera, like vomiting and severe diarrhoea to early treatment.
GNA