Cholera Outbreak Confirmed In Ada East

The Ghana Health Service has confirmed 10 cases of cholera in the Ada East and Ada West Districts of the Greater Accra Region- a situation that has caused tongues to wag among health officials and residents.

The first case was reported on October 4, 2024, after a patient who had attended a funeral in Ada East showed signs and symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Health authorities immediately investigated after the index case was reported, confirming nine other cases by October 11. It is equally a development that is of concern for both districts, as cholera is a very infectious disease within the community when sanitation is poor.

In response to the outbreak, the GHS has activated the PHEMCs at all levels—national, regional, and district—to ensure that efforts to contain the disease are coordinated. It also deployed a multi-sectoral PHERRT of major stakeholders, including the National Commission for Civic Education, Ghana Education Service, and the National Disaster Management Organisation.

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The health officials are focusing on contact tracing and doing the follow-up that is considered necessary to avoid further spread. The public is called upon to stringently observe hygiene practices such as frequently washing hands with soap and consuming clean, treated water.

The GHS and the Ministry of Health assured the public that it is committed to timely detection and response to public health emergencies. Residents in the affected areas have, therefore, been advised to promptly report to the nearest health facility any suspected cases presenting symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

Raising awareness on the prevention of cholera coupled with an improvement in sanitation becomes imperative, with particular emphasis on Ada East and Ada West, in containing the spread of the disease.