GHANA HEALTH SERVICE CONFIRMS CHOLERA CASES IN GREATER ACCRA REGION

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed cases of cholera in the Ada West and Ada East districts of the Greater Accra Region. This follows the first reported case on October 4, 2024, when an individual presented symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after attending a funeral in Ada East.

By October 11, 2024, nine confirmed cholera cases had been reported across both districts. In response, the GHS has activated a series of public health measures to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.

Public Health Response

The GHS has initiated the following actions to manage the situation:

• Activation of Public Health Emergency Management Committees (PHEMCs): These committees at the national, regional, and district levels are now fully operational.
• Joint Multi-Sectoral Public Health Emergency Rapid Response Team (PHERRT): Teams involving representatives from agencies such as the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Ghana Education Service (GES), National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), and Environmental Health Units have been mobilized.
• Outbreak Investigation and Environmental Assessment: An ongoing probe is assessing the causes and environmental factors contributing to the outbreak.
• Alert to Health Facilities: All health facilities nationwide have been notified of the outbreak.
• Contact Tracing and Follow-Up: Authorities are actively identifying and tracing contacts of infected individuals.
• Healthcare Worker Sensitization: Health workers in affected areas have been sensitized on case definitions, sample management, and cholera case treatment.
• Community Case Search: Daily active searches are being conducted within communities to identify potential new cases.
• Infection Prevention and Control: Strict hygiene and infection control measures have been enforced in all health facilities.
• Cholera Treatment Center: A cholera rehydration center for mild cases has been set up.

The GHS is urging the public to maintain good hygiene practices, including regular handwashing with soap and proper sanitation, to prevent the spread of cholera.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Ghana Health Service continues its efforts to manage and control the outbreak.

Source: NKONKONSA.com