The Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Health Directorate in Ghana’s Western Region has reported 50 suspected cholera cases, resulting in three fatalities. Currently, 14 individuals are hospitalized across various health facilities in the municipality.
Municipal Health Director Mrs. Wilhelmina Tiwaah Duah Morttey revealed that the fatalities occurred due to patients arriving at health centers in critical conditions with severe dehydration.
She urged residents to practice proper hygiene by regularly washing hands, avoiding contaminated food and water, and seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms like diarrhea arise.
In response to the outbreak, the municipal authorities have banned the sale of vegetables by food vendors to curb further spread.
Communal rehydration points are being set up in strategic areas to provide Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) for affected individuals.
Mrs. Morttey assured the public that the health directorate is working diligently to manage the outbreak while urging commercial drivers to ensure vehicles transporting suspected cholera patients are disinfected to prevent further transmission.
Residents have been encouraged to conduct regular clean-up activities, including clearing clogged drains and maintaining clean surroundings, to prevent diseases.
Municipal Environmental Health Officer Alex Damtey announced plans to educate food vendors on the vegetable ban before enforcement begins on December 16, 2024. Offenders will face legal action under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).
The outbreak has been linked to contaminated food, particularly vegetables sold by vendors, as per an environmental surveillance report.
Across the Western Region, 789 suspected cases and eight deaths have been recorded as of December 7, 2024. A regional ban on vegetable sales by food vendors has also been enforced to protect public health.
