In the past month, a cholera outbreak in Ghana has claimed 16 lives and affected 115 others across multiple regions, including Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, and Western Regions.
Dr. Dennis Laryea, Head of Disease Surveillance at the Ghana Health Service, confirmed that 1,350 suspected cholera cases were reported in these areas.
Cholera deaths have been attributed to delayed hospital visits and self-medication, with patients often seeking treatment three days after being infected.
Dr. Laryea noted that unsanitary conditions were a major contributor to the outbreak, urging the public to practice regular hand washing and maintain proper sanitation to help curb the spread of the disease.
Cholera, caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, can cause severe diarrhoea, and in its most severe form, can lead to death within hours if untreated.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), while most individuals infected with Vibrio cholerae may not show symptoms, they can still spread the bacteria in their feces, potentially infecting others.
For those who develop symptoms, the disease can cause mild to severe dehydration, and without prompt medical intervention, it can be fatal. Symptoms typically appear within 12 hours to five days after infection.
