The Ketu South Municipal Health Directorate has confirmed two imported cholera cases within its jurisdiction.
The alarming discovery came to light on the 13th of July, 2024, when two weary travelers arrived at the Ketu South Municipal Hospital exhibiting distressing symptoms of acute watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and general weakness.
According to a statement issued by the Ghana Health Service, Investigations into the matter unraveled a concerning revelation – the afflicted individuals were identified as Ghanaian traders hailing from Kumasi.
Their harrowing journey took them to Lagos Island in Nigeria for business endeavors before embarking on their return trip to Ghana, only to be struck by the menacing disease.
Samples collected from the patients were swiftly dispatched to the Ho Teaching Hospital for thorough examination, and the results were nothing short of alarming.
The tests confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium responsible for causing cholera. In response to this public health crisis, the Director of Health Services for the Municipality, David Yao Bokpe, issued a stern advisory urging all healthcare facilities and points of entry within the Ketu South Municipality to heighten their surveillance efforts on diarrhoeal diseases.
He emphasized the importance of promptly reporting any suspected cases for swift action. Outlined within the advisory were key details regarding the surveillance case definition for cholera, delineating suspected cases as individuals aged two years and above presenting with acute watery diarrhoea and severe dehydration.
Furthermore, confirmed cholera cases were specified as those testing positive for Vibrio cholerae 01 or 0139 through culture.
The mode of transmission for this deadly disease was highlighted as the fecal-oral route, stressing the significance of maintaining proper hygiene practices to mitigate its spread.
Preventive measures including frequent handwashing with soap and water, safe food handling practices, consumption of warm food, and discouraging open defecation were strongly recommended.
As the Ketu South Municipality grapples with this sudden outbreak, it is imperative that community members heed the warnings and adhere to the prescribed preventive measures to safeguard public health and prevent further transmission of cholera.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as health officials work tirelessly to contain the spread of this insidious disease.
Source: WhatsUpNewsGH