Cholera Outbreak Kills 5 In Kasoa, 30 Hospitalised
A cholera outbreak in Kasoa has claimed five lives, with 30 others currently receiving treatment at the Kasoa Polyclinic and Mother and Child Hospital.
The situation has sparked concern among local authorities, who are urging the community to take preventive measures to curb further spread.
Awutu Senya East Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Anita Love Obo Amissah, reported that three of the victims died on Thursday, October 31, followed by two additional deaths on Friday afternoon, raising the death toll to five.
The MCE, expressed deep concern about the outbreak and emphasized the need for residents to maintain cleanliness and prioritize healthy eating habits.
Amissah, urged residents of Kasoa to stay vigilant, highlighting the role that environmental cleanliness plays in preventing the spread of cholera.
She emphasised that, individual responsibility, such as proper waste disposal and food hygiene, could help curb the outbreak.
In her interview with Citi FM, the MCE, revealed that the Kasoa health facilities, have also received cholera cases referred from neighbouring constituencies, including Awutu Senya West and Gomoa East Districts.
She called for a unified, collaborative effort from surrounding areas to effectively manage and contain the disease.
The MCE, also commended health authorities for their swift action in responding to the outbreak, praising their efforts to control and treat cases swiftly.
She reminded residents to remain cautious, follow health guidelines, and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms arise.
“Five people have been confirmed dead after the outbreak. The Mother and Child Hospital and the Kasoa Polyclinic have done their best to manage the situation. What I want to ask from the people of Kasoa is to take good care of themselves by eating healthy food.”
“I understand the hospital has called back staff who were on leave to help deal with the issue. There have been referrals from Awutu Senya West and Gomoa East taking the total number of death to five. Thirty more people are still on admission as we speak,” MCE Anita Love Obo Amissah said.
A/R Intensifies Public Education
Meanwhile, in the Ashanti Region, the Regional Health Directorate, has stepped up public education on preventive measures against the outbreak of cholera in the region.
The Directorate in the last few weeks, has been engaging the public through the traditional media and community information centres on the need to keep clean environment and also observe hygiene protocols.
This follows confirmed cases of cholera in the Greater Accra Region, as reported in a press release issued by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on October 14, 2024.
According to the release signed by the Director General of the Service, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, nine cases, had been confirmed in Ada West and Ada East Districts as of October 11.
It also detailed public health response measures being undertaken by the Service across the country to prevent an outbreak.
It is in line with this that the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has embarked on intensive public education to encourage hand hygiene and other preventive practices among the populace.
Dr Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Regional Director of Health Services, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that strict Infection Prevention Control practices were being enforced in all health facilities.
He advised the public to regularly wash their hands under safe running water with soap before eating, cooking and after using the toilet.
They must also drink only safe water, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and avoid cold foods.
The Regional Director encouraged the public to immediately report to the nearest health facility when they continuously pass watery stool, vomit, or feel weak and tired.
He underscored the need for individual households to adopt hygienic practices, saying that, the prevention of the disease was a collective responsibility.
