Cholera Looms―GHS Boss Warns

The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, has expressed fear of a far more devastating cholera outbreak likely to happen this year.

In a statement issued, Yesterday, the onset of the rainy season and other prevailing conditions in the country may throw the nation into a possible cholera outbreak.

“Cholera is one of the diseases of national concern because of the potential it has to cause outbreaks and major epidemics. As the rains have started to set in at certain locations of the country and will be getting to the peak season very soon, with the other existing prevailing risk factors, the risk for cholera outbreak is very high,” the statement said.

Dr Nsiah-Asare who signed the release was however quick to say the disease can be prevented, “provided that safe water is made available and proper sanitation practices are adhered to.

“Signs and symptoms of Cholera are frequent diarrhoea with or without vomiting. Cholera spreads when faeces and/or vomitus of an infected person contaminates the water or food of another person and it is swallowed,” the statement read.

The GHS further suggested frequent handwashing with soap under running water adding that persons who show signs and symptoms of Cholera report urgently to the nearest health facility for treatment.

By: Grace Ablewor Sogbey/ [email protected]