Ghana has reported 4,155 suspected cases of cholera since October 2024, with 35 fatalities recorded as of December 23, 2024. This was disclosed in a statement by Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.
The Western Region remains the hardest hit, reporting 17 of the total deaths. Dr. Aboagye highlighted ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak, including an oral vaccination campaign conducted from November 30 to December 19 in identified hotspot areas: Awutu Senya East, Ahanta West, Effia-Kwesimintim, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Shama.
The campaign successfully vaccinated 662,906 individuals, representing 84% of the eligible population of 792,482. According to Dr. Aboagye, the intervention has yielded positive results, with a steady decline in reported cases across these districts. Notably, Awutu Senya East has not recorded any confirmed cases since the vaccination exercise.
Dr. Aboagye urged individuals experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.
He also advised the public to adopt preventive measures, especially during the Christmas season. These include drinking safe water, consuming hot food, thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before consumption, and practicing proper hand hygiene.
“As we enter the Christmas season, we are entreated to drink potable water, eat food that is hot, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming, and wash our hands with soap under running water before preparing food, before eating, and after visiting the toilet (and washroom) or changing diapers and after touching surfaces,”Dr. Aboagye emphasized.
