Curbing spread of cholera in Western Region: Authorities shelter mentally challenged

 The Western Regional Health Directorate and the Regional Coordinating Council have started sheltering the mentally challenged and other destitute in the region as part of measures to contain the outbreak of cholera. 

The authorities said the metropolitan, municipalities and districts were experiencing Cholera outbreaks in a season that seemed unusual and that a test conducted on mentally challenged and other destitute who had died and been brought to the morgue turned positive.

A source at the Western Regional Health Directorate said the mentally deranged and destitute in the communities had contributed to the surge in cases of cholera in the region, owing to their free movement and the fact that they did not have anybody looking out for their welfare.

The latest situation report indicated that the cumulative death has increased from 16 to 17 patients since the outbreak in districts, municipalities and metropolitan areas, with 46 new cases reported cumulatively, the cases are above 2,000.

Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause life-threatening diarrhoea and vomiting.

The symptoms usually appear within two or three days of exposure to the bacteria and it is important to adhere to safety protocols.

Spread

The source said since the inception of the outbreak, more than 10 mentally challenged and other destitute had been found dead in various parts of the region aside from the 17 who reported but died.

A destitute found lifeless in Takoradi

The team explained that as these unfortunate ones contracted the disease, they freely walked through and spread it until they could no longer walk and died in the process.

The discharge from them in terms of defecation spread freely and flies could land on it and move to the community – hence the spread. 

Cases rising

When contacted, the Medical Director of the Regional Referral Hospital, Dr Kojo Tambil, confirmed that the regional referral facilities had received an unusual number of vulnerable people who had no one to turn to.

“With the sign and the conditions the bodies of these unfortunate compatriots were brought to the morgue triggered our suspicion, and we decided to conduct further tests and it proved positive for cholera,” he said.

On the situation at the regional hospital, he said over the weekend, the regional facility had received 13 new cases earlier in the day and they were all taken to the COVID centre, which is serving as a holding bay.

“In the evening around 7 p.m. on Saturday, we had an additional two,” he said.

Dr Tambil said so far, the clinical management was progressing smoothly, and that the situation was better compared to the previous situation. “I can say that now we even have a few empty beds,” he said.

Caution, vaccination

The director of the regional hospital further cautioned the general public to be extra careful with what they ate, particularly, during these times.

“Let me sound caution to the public, we are not out of the situation yet, it is, therefore, important to adhere to the preventive measures and follow the protocols as we enter the Christmas period.

“Let us ensure regular washing of hands, those interested in fruits and vegetables should thoroughly wash them with clean water before eating,” he said.

“As much as you can, I will advise people to avoid cold food and ensure that their foods are served hot and need to drink water from clean and safe sources.

“One other important thing we need to know is, that as we work to contain the situation, we will urge members of the general public to avail themselves of the vaccination exercise that is currently ongoing and hopefully, we can have an event-free Christmas,” Dr Tambil said.