A cholera outbreak in Ghana’s Western Region has resulted in 14 deaths and over 800 suspected cases as of December 7, 2024. This has led to swift action from local governments and health authorities to contain the spread and provide care to those affected.
Dr. Yaw Ofori Yeboah, the Western Regional Director of Health Services, revealed that Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality are the epicenters of the outbreak. Speaking to Citi News in Takoradi, Dr. Yeboah noted that the Regional Public Health Promotion office has intensified awareness campaigns and preventive measures.
“Currently, about 8 districts have reported cholera cases, and I must say that up till now, the facilities within these 8 districts have managed over 800 cases, which is a lot,” Dr. Yeboah said. “We have lost 14 people so far. The epicenter is Sekondi-Takoradi and adjoining districts, Shama and Ahanta West.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has dispatched a team from its Institutional Care Division to the region to monitor the situation, reassess emergency healthcare plans, and provide additional staff to support hospitals. Local facilities are overwhelmed, with both public and private hospitals admitting 15 to 20 cholera patients daily. Due to overcrowding, many hospitals have been forced to turn their waiting areas into treatment spaces.
To address the growing crisis, the Western Regional Directorate has announced a vaccination campaign targeting the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly and Ahanta West, set to begin on December 14, 2024, and run until the following Thursday. Authorities have also ordered food vendors, especially those selling vegetables, to halt their operations, with penalties for violations.
Environmental investigations have identified that 96% of the cholera infections are linked to food vendors, particularly those selling contaminated vegetables. The outbreak has affected four regions: Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, and Western.
Health officials are advising the public to practice proper hygiene, avoid consuming cold foods, and wash their hands regularly to help prevent further spread.