Cholera outbreak: Ashanti Regional Health Directorate on high alert

Ghana has in recent time recorded cases of cholera in four regions.

Between October and November 2024, nine individuals – 2 in the Greater Accra and 7 in the Central regions have died from the disease.

Though no case has been recorded in the Ashanti Region, the Regional Health Directorate has intensified surveillance and public education to stop transmission and prevent avoidable deaths.

“Initially, it was Greater Accra that recorded some cases. But currently as we speak, Western Region, Central Region and Eastern have all recorded cases, and we never know when it will come to Ashanti Region. Notwithstanding, we are in high alert to pick any case as early as possible, report to the health facility, treat it and stop the transmission”, Dr Fred Adomako Boateng, Ashanti Regional Health Director indicated.

The Health Directorate has put in place measures to break the transmission of the disease.

“For each district, we have designated a facility that persons presenting signs and symptoms of cholera would be sent to avoid potential patient moving from one facility to the other. We are also engaging chemical sellers and pharmacists to refer people with diarrhea and other cholera signs to health facilities,” he explained.

Dr Adomako Boateng stressed that, as public health physicians, they’re not really bothered as to when the region will record a cholera case but how people will report early.

“Cholera is one of the diseases that can easily be prevented from being transmitted to another because thorough handwashing with water and soap or alcohol-based gel are effective ways of stopping transmission,” he advised.

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