The Ashanti Region has confirmed its first five cholera cases, marking a worrying turn in Ghana’s ongoing cholera outbreak. The cases are spread across three districts: Sekyere South, Kumasi, and Bekwai, with Sekyere South bearing the brunt of the outbreak, reporting three cases. Apexnewsgh reports
These confirmed cases bring the Ashanti Region into a growing list of affected areas, including the Western, Greater Accra, and Central Regions, which have all experienced fatal cholera outbreaks in recent months. Nationwide, the situation is dire, with 4,155 suspected cases and 35 fatalities reported since October 2024.
In response to the outbreak, health authorities in the Ashanti Region have sprang into action. The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate convened an emergency meeting at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, bringing together representatives from key agencies, including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and environmental health officers.
To combat the spread of cholera, the Regional Health Directorate has implemented several measures, including:
Disinfecting Homes: Disinfecting the homes of confirmed cases to prevent further contamination.
Isolation and Contact Tracing: Isolating affected individuals and tracing their contacts to contain the outbreak.
Strengthening Surveillance: Strengthening public health surveillance and response efforts in collaboration with district teams.
Mobilizing Emergency Committees: Mobilizing public health emergency committees in affected areas to coordinate response efforts.
Initial assessments suggest that the confirmed cases are confined to specific areas, and none of the affected individuals used public restrooms. The Regional Health Directorate, led by Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, has also intensified awareness campaigns and training for healthcare workers on case definitions, identification, and contact tracing.
As the situation continues to unfold, health authorities remain vigilant, working tirelessly to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
