Ghana's Cholera Crisis: 4,155 Cases, 35 Deaths

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The Ashanti Region has recorded its first five cholera cases spread across three districts, bringing Ghana's ongoing cholera outbreak to 4,155 people since October 2024.

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Laboratory tests confirmed the cases from 28 suspected infections, which is a worrying spread of the waterborne disease.

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Three cases were reported in Sekyere South district, while Kumasi and Bekwai each confirmed one case as of December 28, 2024.

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It has already claimed 35 lives across Ghana in this period and has immediately put regional health authorities into action.

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According to the director of Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, "Our teams are putting in strict containment measures while enhancing surveillance in at-risk areas."

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Emergency response activities include disinfecting of homes for confirmed cases, isolation of patients, tracing of contacts, and heightened public health surveillance.

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The Western Region had reported more than 100 cases with 15 deaths earlier in 2024, which sets a trend of cholera's persistence in Ghana's health sector.

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An oral cholera vaccination campaign was conducted from November 30 to December 19, 2024, and all five confirmed cases in the Ashanti Region have recovered.

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Dr. Adomako-Boateng said community vigilance is critical, adding that residents should boil drinking water and maintain proper sanitation.

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