A surge in cholera cases has been reported in Effia Kwesimintim, prompting health officials to warn residents and advise them to take immediate action to protect themselves.
According to Edith Kissiwa, the Municipal Health Promotion Officer, cholera is an infection of the small intestine caused by some strains of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. If left untreated, it can cause dehydration, which can lead to death.
“Cholera is accompanied by diarrhoea, and it’s essential to take precautions to prevent its spread,” she emphasized.
Madam Kissiwa urged residents to wash their hands frequently, serve food hot, cover foods, wash fruits and vegetables with vinegar or salt, and maintain good sanitation. She also advised residents to visit the hospital immediately if they experience dehydration symptoms.
Additionally, she warned against assuming that having had cholera before makes one immune to it, emphasizing the need to continue following protocols.
Francis Kwofie, Municipal Disease Control Officer, repeated Edith’s warning, saying that cholera can kill within hours due to dehydration. “If you experience symptoms, rush to the hospital immediately,” he advised. Kwofie noted that the outbreak has been declared, and everyone is at risk of getting cholera, regardless of their health status.
