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The Agona West Municipality in Ghana’s Central Region is grappling with a growing cholera outbreak, as the number of suspected cases has climbed to 214, with 11 confirmed cases, according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
The outbreak has already claimed one life, with the victim passing away at the Swedru Government Hospital on January 2, 2025. Municipal Health Director Bertha Arthur has urged residents to stay vigilant and prioritise hygiene as efforts intensify to combat the spread.
“Out of the samples we sent to the lab, 11 were confirmed as cholera. We are now in an emergency condition and call for all hands on deck to tackle this menace,” Ms. Arthur said.
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The GHS has deployed multi-sectoral rapid response teams at the national, regional, and district levels to contain the outbreak. Education and awareness campaigns have been ramped up to encourage early reporting of symptoms, such as dehydration, diarrhoea, and vomiting, to healthcare facilities.
“We are implementing a multi-faceted approach with stakeholders to address the outbreak and prevent further loss of life,” Ms. Arthur added.
As of December 26, 2024, cholera had claimed 37 lives nationwide, with confirmed cases rising from 346 to 359. The number of affected districts increased to 46, with new cases reported in Agona East (Central Region) and La Nkwantanang Madina (Greater Accra Region).
Despite a reduction in hospitalisations from 64 to 46 within the reporting period, the Western Region remains the most affected, accounting for 37 hospitalisations. The Greater Accra and Central Regions reported three and six hospitalisations, respectively.
To curb the outbreak, the GHS conducted Phase 2 of the sub-national Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) campaign in December 2024. The campaign targeted hotspots in the Western Region, including Sekondi-Takoradi, Effia Kwesimintsim, Shama, and Ahanta West, vaccinating 596,205 people and achieving a 92.9% coverage rate.
Additionally, the GHS has intensified testing of food vendors and water sources in affected districts to prevent further spread.
Health authorities continue to urge the public to practice proper hygiene, report symptoms early, and avoid consuming unsafe food and water. “It is critical for communities to remain alert and proactive in supporting containment efforts,” Ms. Arthur emphasised.
Source: Graphiconline
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