Ada Records Two Death as Cholera Outbreak Hits Town

The most recent cholera outbreak in Ada of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana has killed two persons with 43 confirmed cases so far. The numbers have been confirmed by the Ghana Health Service-GHS, as the outbreak affects the districts of Ada East and Ada West. Efforts are being scaled up to contain the spread, with heavy contact tracing and early detection.

The Director of Public Health at the GHS, Dr. Frank Bekoe, said 37 cases have so far been confirmed in Ada East, while six have been confirmed in Ada West. For now, the immediate priorities of the health team are early identification of new cases and follow-up on contacts. "We are looking at mortalities, and our priority is on early identification and contact follow-up," Dr. Bekoe said.

Cholera is a most dangerous type of bacterial infection that may result in the death of a person in areas where clean water and appropriate sanitation are in short supply. The disease results from an infection contracted from Vibrio cholerae, which spreads through ingesting contaminated food and water. Diarrhea at an acute level, vomiting, and dehydration-maybe leading to death if not treated-are among its common symptoms.

Prevention can be made possible only if sources of water are clean, proper sanitations are available, and education on hygiene practices are provided. These are being implemented by the Ghana Health Service with the local community and making public awareness on reducing risks of infection. Similarly, the mobilization of local clinics has been done so that quick treatment can be possible to the people infected, which can reduce the fatality rate significantly.

The outbreak has again brought to the fore the need for good public health and timely interventions to contain the spread of waterborne disease outbreaks, particularly in areas where sanitation is precarious. Health authorities are entreating residents in Ada and its environs to observe good hygiene practices and report early symptoms to curtail further deaths.