Cholera outbreak kills 6, infects 72 others

Ghana has recorded six deaths and 72 cholera infections over the past three weeks, with the outbreak primarily affecting the Greater Accra and Central regions.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed that the cases were spread across several districts, including Ada East and West, Kpone Katamanso, Korle Klottey, Ashaiman, Ga South, Accra Metro, Awutu Senya West, and East, Gomoa East, and Efutu.
The Awutu Senya district has seen the highest number of fatalities, with four of the six deaths reported from there, while the remaining two deaths were recorded in Ada.
Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, the Director for Public Health at GHS, said three more potential cholera-related deaths are under investigation and may be confirmed soon.
Although most of the infections reported have not been severe, the fatalities are primarily due to delays in seeking treatment at health facilities.
“Deaths are occurring, because most of the patients who had cholera tried to self-medicate, some report to the hospital three days after the cholera infection,” he said.
Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe said the cholera outbreak had been driven by a lack of access to clean water, the widespread practice of open defecation, and poor hand hygiene in the affected districts.
He emphasized the critical role that proper hygiene played in preventing the spread of cholera, urging the public to adopt frequent hand washing with soap under running water.
In situations where clean water was unavailable, he recommended using hand sanitizers to reduce infection risk.
Ghana had not experienced a major cholera outbreak between 2017 and 2023, although a few isolated cases were reported during that period.
Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe emphasized that regular handwashing with soap under running water, a practice promoted during the COVID-19 pandemic, had proven to be an effective measure in controlling the spread of infectious diseases, including cholera.
Cholera is an infectious diarrheal disease caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to classify cholera as a significant global health risk, highlighting it as a symptom of inequality and underdevelopment in terms of access to clean water and sanitation.
The primary symptoms of cholera include frequent diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, as well as abdominal cramps, fever, headaches, fatigue, dry mouth, a sore throat, and reduced urine output.
Experts caution that severe cholera cases can result in death within hours if not promptly treated.
While many individuals infected with cholera may not show symptoms, the bacteria can still be present in their stool for up to 10 days after infection, potentially contaminating the environment and spreading to others.
Some patients experience severe watery diarrhea with intense dehydration, which, if untreated, can lead to death.
Cholera is most transmitted in areas with poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean water, including urban slums and refugee camps.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and lower the risk of death.
The Ghana Health Service has urged the public to drink clean, treated water, consume properly cooked or safely prepared food, avoid close contact with those infected, maintain good hygiene by washing hands with soap and water, ensure proper disposal of waste, and seek medical attention at the nearest health facility if experiencing severe diarrhea and vomiting.
GNA