Cholera outbreak in Greater Accra-Residents advised to observe personal hygiene

THE increase in the reported cases of cholera in the Greater Accra Region has prompted the Health Directorate of Ghana Health Service (GHS) to reiterate its warning to residents to observe personal hygiene and also adhere to advice provided by health professionals to curb the cholera outbreak region.
That is because the number of cases seem to be increasing since the first case was reported on January, 10, 2011. Reports from the health sector indicates that cases have been reported from all the districts within the region with the Accra Metropolis (AMA) having the highest number.
In an interview, the Deputy Regional Director of Public Health, Dr Edward Antwi said so far four people had been confirmed dead and more than 200 had contracted the disease.
He said that had made health workers in the region to stem up their educational programme to prevent more people from being infected adding that “although there is an outbreak, it is possible not to get infected”.
Dr Antwi has, however, advised residents that in case of diarrhoea and or vomiting, the affected person should rush to the nearest healthcare facility for treatment which was free.
Cholera is an acute bacterial disease characterised by profuse diarrhoea and vomiting. Incubation period is about a minimum of two to 48 hours and a maximum of two to three days.
Asked to explain what the health sector was doing to curb the spread of the disease, Dr Antwi said there had been several press releases to encourage the media to support in public education campaign.
In addition, he said there had been stakeholders meetings to find solution to the outbreak and said health facilities in the region were well prepared in readiness to receive and treat all cholera cases.
He, however, pointed out that the best approach under the circumstance was prevention, since the disease could claim the life of an infected person before he or she could access healthcare.
A statement from the directorate and signed by the Head of the Regional Health Promotion Unit, Ms Honesty Numetu mentioned risk factors for the disease as over-populated communities characterised by poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water and increase person-to-person transmission.
Other risk factors are poor personal hygiene, floods leading to contaminated domestic water sources and broken down water and waste disposal system.
It indicated that one could get cholera through eating food that contained cholera germs, eating fruits and vegetables, especially those grown by irrigation with waste water and also when fruits and vegetables are eaten raw and not properly washed.
Other mode of transmission, according to the statement, were drinking water contaminated with cholera germs, attending to a person with the cholera disease and not washing hands properly with soap and water.
“Handling cholera corpse, touching materials or objects that contain the germ, house flies carrying the germ from infected stool which is not properly disposed off. If hands are not properly washed before eating, cooking, after visiting toilet and attending to someone who has the disease, are all risk factors”, it indicated.
Signs and symptoms of cholera are sudden onset of profuse painless watery diarrhoea, occasional effortless vomiting, rapid dehydration, severe muscle cramps, weak pulse, cold clammy skin, thirst and stupor.
“In case of diarrhoea and or vomiting, immediately rush to a hospital for treatment. Treatment for cholera is free,” the statement pointed out.

*Unhealthy practice such as selling food close to refuse dumps is a risk factor for the spread of cholera