Western Region records 15 cholera deaths

The Western Region is grappling with a cholera outbreak that has claimed 15 lives, with Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality identified as the hardest-hit areas.

Dr. Gifty Amugi, Deputy Regional Director for Public Health, revealed on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem that over 1,000 individuals have sought medical attention for symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting, with 90 cases confirmed as cholera.

“The outbreak began on November 4, and while efforts were made to control it, cases surged at the start of December. So far, we’ve recorded over 1,000 suspected cases, 90 confirmed cases, and 15 deaths,” Dr. Amugi reported.

Dr. Amugi expressed concern over the rising cases, attributing the situation to lax adherence to safety protocols. “We urge everyone to prioritize basic hygiene practices. Wash your hands regularly, ensure your food is warm, and report any symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility. If we don’t follow these precautions, more lives could be lost,” she warned.

She assured residents that cholera treatment is free, with all necessary resources in place to care for affected individuals. To curb the outbreak, a vaccination campaign commenced on Sunday, set to run until Thursday, and residents are encouraged to participate.

In addition to the vaccination drive, the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) has banned the sale of vegetables by food vendors as a precautionary measure. The Health Directorate has also ramped up public awareness campaigns to promote hygiene and educate the public on preventing the disease.

Dr. Amugi reiterated the importance of early reporting of suspected cases to health facilities, emphasizing that community cooperation is essential to prevent further fatalities.