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The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has advised the public to re-adopt COVID-19 hygiene protocols to help control a growing cholera outbreak that has claimed 16 lives and resulted in 116 confirmed cases across the Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, and Western regions.
Speaking on the crisis, Dr. Dennis Laryea, Deputy Director of Disease Surveillance at the GHS, highlighted the preventable nature of cholera-related fatalities, emphasizing that seeking medical intervention early can save lives. “Our main concern is the mortality rate,” he stated, noting that many patients arrived at medical facilities too late for effective intervention.
“Some patients died within 12 to 24 hours of admission due to severe dehydration,” Dr. Laryea reported. “We urge anyone experiencing symptoms such as vomiting or watery diarrhea to seek medical help immediately to prevent complications like kidney failure.”
Dr. Laryea underscored the importance of hygiene in preventing cholera. “Sanitation and personal hygiene practices need serious improvement,” he stressed, calling on the public to wash their hands with soap and clean water before meals and thoroughly clean fruits and vegetables. He also noted that poor waste management remains a significant risk factor in the spread of cholera.
Health officials have been urging communities to maintain COVID-19 hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, to combat cholera and prevent further spread of the disease.
