Cholera Cases Rise to 4,155 with 35 Deaths in Ghana, GHS Reports

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reported a concerning rise in cholera cases across the country, with a total of 4,155 suspected cases and 35 deaths as of December 23, 2024.

The majority of fatalities occurred within 24 hours of admission, underscoring the severity of the outbreak.

The cholera outbreak, which began in the Greater Accra Region in October, has since spread to other regions, including Central, Western, Ashanti, and Eastern.

The Western Region remains the hardest-hit area, accounting for 17 of the 35 reported deaths.

In response to the outbreak, the GHS, in collaboration with stakeholders, launched an Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaign.

This targeted high-risk areas such as Awutu Senya East, Ahanta West, Effia-Kwesimintsim, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Shama districts.

The campaign, which ran from November 30 to December 19, successfully vaccinated 662,906 people out of a targeted 792,482 eligible individuals.

The vaccination effort has already yielded positive results, with a significant decline in cases in the vaccinated districts.

Notably, Awutu Senya East has reported no confirmed cholera cases since the campaign.

However, the GHS continues to stress the importance of hygiene and food safety, particularly during the holiday season.

As the Christmas season approaches, the GHS urges residents to drink clean, potable water, eat properly cooked food, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and practice handwashing with soap and running water, especially after using the toilet or handling food.

The GHS has also commended health workers, local government councils, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders for their dedication in fighting the outbreak.

The public is reassured that efforts to control and eliminate cholera will continue.