The Ghana Health Service has confirmed cholera cases in the Ada West and Ada East Districts of Greater Accra, following the hospitalization of a patient on October 4, 2024, who presented with vomiting and abdominal pain.
The patient, who had recently attended a funeral in Ada East, tested positive for cholera. As of October 11, 2024, nine more cases have been confirmed in both districts.
In response to the outbreak, the Ghana Health Service has initiated a series of public health measures. All Public Health Emergency Management Committees (PHEMCs) at national, regional, and district levels have been activated.
Additionally, a multi-sectoral Rapid Response Team has been deployed to manage the situation, with representatives from key institutions such as the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the Ghana Education Service (GES), and environmental health units.
Key efforts to contain the outbreak include:
• Sending out alerts to health facilities across the region.
• Conducting contact tracing and case monitoring.
• Launching public education campaigns on cholera prevention, with an emphasis on safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene.
• Setting up rehydration centres to treat mild cases.
Authorities are also addressing misinformation surrounding the outbreak and assessing access to potable water in affected areas. Water sampling for microbiology and culture is ongoing to better understand the spread of the disease.
Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, assured the public that the health ministry is working in collaboration with other agencies to ensure a swift and coordinated response.
