The Ghana Health Service has confirmed that there are multiple cases of cholera recorded within the Greater Accra Region-a development that raisesthe public health concern as health officials work to contain the outbreak. This is contained in the announcement at a press briefing on Monday, which called for immediate public awareness and preventive measures against the spread of the disease.
The GHS said the affected areas include several communities with high population densities in which sanitation and hygiene practices have been determined to be major variables that drive the transmission of cholera. "Cholera spreads through contaminated water and food," Regional Director of Health Services Dr. Patrick Kumah noted, urging residents to ensure proper sanitation and hygiene practices at home and in their respective communities.
We have so far confirmed 15 cases within the region showing serious symptoms of the disease, including acute diarrhea and vomiting." Dr. Kumah said. He called on persons showing these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention, saying cholera causes dehydration and, if not treated, could kill within a few hours.
It has spurred the GHS into action through direct public health education campaigns on the prevention and treatment of cholera, including hygiene kit distribution, social mobilization for safe drinking water practices, and testing of water quality in various communities.
The GHS also stressed the importance of vaccination in high-risk areas and asked residents to cooperate if provided with vaccination drives. Besides, health officials are coordinating with local leaders over increasing sanitation facilities and better waste management practices to reduce further outbreaks.
GHS, however, assured the public that cholera is preventable and curable, hence called for the need for everybody to take the necessary precautions by drinking boiled or treated water, washing their hands regularly with soap, and making sure that food is well-cooked.
With this public health challenge in the Greater Accra Region, authorities are committed to making timely information and resources available to help protect the community from the spread of cholera. It is recommended that residents be vigilant and report suspected cases to health authorities with immediate effect.
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