Ghana is currently grappling with a cholera outbreak that has resulted in six fatalities and 72 confirmed infections over the past three weeks. The majority of these cases have emerged in the Greater Accra and Central regions, particularly affecting several districts such as Ada East and West, Kpone Katamanso, Korle Klottey, Ashaiman, Ga South, Accra Metro, Awutu Senya West and East, Gomoa East, and Efutu. The Awutu Senya district has been particularly hard-hit, accounting for four of the six reported deaths. Although coalitions of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) have indicated that most of the infections are not severe, the fatalities stem largely from delays in seeking medical treatment, with patients waiting up to three days before seeking help.
Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director for Public Health at GHS, noted that there are three additional deaths that could be cholera-related and are currently under investigation. The outbreak has been exacerbated by several underlying issues including limited access to clean water, prevalent open defecation practices, and poor hand hygiene among the affected populations. Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe underscored the vital importance of hygiene in preventing cholera, advising everyone to regularly wash their hands with soap and running water, and to utilize hand sanitizers where clean water is not readily available.
Historically, Ghana has not seen a significant cholera outbreak since 2017. Nevertheless, isolated incidents occurred during this span. The recent cholera outbreak marks a troubling turn, connected to extreme conditions of inequality and underdevelopment that hinder access to essential clean water and sanitation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, campaigns promoting regular hand hygiene were emphasized as effective in controlling various infectious diseases, including cholera. Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe reinforces this message, highlighting that these practices are crucial in the fight against the current outbreak.
Cholera itself is a severe infectious diarrheal disease caused by ingesting water or food contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. Symptoms can include profuse diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration, leading to abdominal cramps, fever, fatigue, dry mouth, sore throat, and ultimately reduced urine output. Medical professionals indicate that individuals with severe symptoms could succumb to the disease within hours if not treated promptly. Furthermore, while not every infected person shows visible symptoms, the presence of cholera bacteria in their stool can persist for up to ten days, posing a risk for environmental contamination and further transmission.
Areas most vulnerable to cholera outbreaks typically lack proper sanitation and clean water access, notably urban slums and refugee camps. This highlights a pressing need for early diagnosis, treatment, and preventative measures to mitigate the risks associated with cholera. The GHS has issued essential public health recommendations, urging citizens to prioritize consuming clean, treated water, preparing food properly, avoiding close interactions with infected individuals, practicing good personal hygiene, and seeking immediate medical care when experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
As the cholera outbreak continues to unfold in Ghana, officials underscore the importance of community engagement in adopting preventive health measures. Public awareness and behavior changes regarding hygiene practices in tandem with strengthening water and sanitation infrastructure are crucial. The Ghana Health Service remains at the forefront of this battle against cholera, advocating for health education and preventive strategies to safeguard public health and prevent further infection rates in the face of this serious health crisis.
