Cholera outbreak kills 5 in Sekondi-Takoradi; Health officials act to contain the spread.

Cholera Outbreak Claims Five Lives in Sekondi-Takoradi, Efforts to Contain Spread Intensify

A cholera outbreak in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis has claimed five lives, sparking urgent efforts to contain its spread. The Metro Health Directorate reports 161 suspected cases, with 28 confirmed, raising alarm about the public health crisis.

Metro Health Director Dr. Pious Mensah, addressing a press conference, revealed that the fatalities involved individuals aged 9 to 40, underscoring the outbreak's severity. He highlighted that 65% of suspected cases are males, while 35% are females, emphasizing the need for swift action.

We have recorded five deaths and 161 suspected cases in November alone, Dr. Mensah stated. He identified New Takoradi as the most affected area, followed by Takoradi and Effia. He urged private health facilities to provide free treatment for cholera patients, assuring them of reimbursement through regional medical stores and district hospitals.

This collaboration will encourage early reporting of suspected cases, enabling timely medical intervention, Dr. Mensah added.

In response, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly announced measures to address the crisis. Assembly Coordinating Director Innocent Haligah outlined plans for a large-scale cleanup exercise targeting unsanitary conditions contributing to the outbreak.

It’s time to intensify sensitization efforts about cholera. Educating the public on its rapid spread and encouraging proper hygiene practices is crucial, Mr. Haligah stressed.

He urged households to adopt personal hygiene practices similar to those implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to curb the outbreak.

Authorities are working to mobilize resources and raise public awareness through community engagements and campaigns. Residents have been encouraged to prioritize sanitation, ensure clean water usage, and report symptoms early to healthcare facilities.

The cholera outbreak highlights the critical need for improved sanitation and public health infrastructure in Sekondi-Takoradi. Local authorities, health professionals, and private healthcare providers are collaborating to mitigate the crisis, with calls for communal responsibility to ensure a swift resolution.

The outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of hygiene and prompt medical attention in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

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