35 dead as cholera outbreak spreads across five regions; public advised to prioritise hygiene during festive season

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reported 35 deaths and 4,155 suspected cholera cases across five regions since the outbreak began in October 2024.

The Western Region has been the most affected, recording 17 deaths, with the majority occurring within 24 hours of hospital admission.

In a statement dated December 24, 2024, and signed by GHS Director-General Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, it was noted that while the outbreak initially spread from the Greater Accra Region to Central, Eastern, Western, and Ashanti Regions, there are now no active cases in the Eastern Region. Most districts in the other regions have also reported no new cases in the past week.

Efforts to curb the spread have included an oral cholera vaccination campaign conducted from November 30 to December 19, 2024, in hotspot areas such as Awutu Senya East and Sekondi-Takoradi. Of the 792,482 eligible people, 662,906 were vaccinated. Awutu Senya East has not recorded any new cases since the campaign.

The GHS continues to implement measures to manage the outbreak. These include activating public health emergency operations, deploying rapid response teams, conducting community case searches, and educating the public on hygiene and safe water practices. Oral rehydration centres have also been set up to treat mild cases.

Dr Kuma-Aboagye has advised the public to take extra precautions during the festive season, such as drinking only safe water, thoroughly washing food, and maintaining good hygiene.

He acknowledged the efforts of health workers, local authorities, and other stakeholders in addressing the outbreak and assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to bring the situation under control.