Ghana has recorded 50 suspected Cholera cases this year.
Although all cases have tested negative, Deputy Director of Public Health in charge of Surveillance at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Dennis Laryea is entreating the general public to take responsibility for their individual cleanliness to avoid an infection.
The call follows the surging cases of cholera cases in neighbouring Nigeria. As at June, more than 800 suspected cases with 16 deaths have been reported in 30 states out of the 36 states in Nigeria.
According to Dr Laryea, surveillance in country is high for any cross-country infection that may be incubating before a patient travels and falls ill in the country.
He further explained why the issue is not about the cases, but how it will be managed when it’s reported.
‘‘Our public health priority diseases, cholera is part of them. Coincidentally, in 2018, there were two cases that were among passengers who travelled along the border at Aflao. So, we can still diagnose cholera, but it will not spread or result in large scale outbreak. This year alone, we have had 50 suspected cases which all have proven negative after testing at the labs, so the surveillance is active. We have what we call case definition. It is a criterion that will prompt the healthcare worker to suspect that the person may have cholera,’’ he said.
He also entreated the general public to take their personal hygiene seriously.
“If we look at how the disease is transmitted, then it has a lot to do with individual responsibility. So, if you eat food that is contaminated, then you may get cholera. The same with water so we need to watch what we consume. The thing about cholera is that it can be deadly,’’ he said.
The dramatic consequences of repeated cholera outbreaks in recent years in Ghana are worrying. Especially within coastal communities who have major sanitary conditions. There is a need for all to remain vigilant and concerned as the cases in Nigeria keeps rising.
The last time the country recorded a cholera outbreak was in 2019.
By Sarah Apenkroh
