Three die in cholera outbreak in Greater Accra Region

January 28, 2011 Accra, Jan. 28, GNA - The Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate have so far recorded three deaths and 48 admissions following a cholera outbreak in the Greater Accra Region.

Dr Edward Antwi, Greater Accra Regional Deputy Director of Public Health, said 22 cases were recorded this week increasing the number to 48 in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Friday.

He said a warning had been posted to affected areas to address their sanitation problems as the public has been informed about the outbreak of the disease.

Dr Antwi said cholera could be prevented by adhering to basic personal hygiene practices such as washing hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet and cautioned the public to be mindful of where and what they buy to eat.

The Deputy Director said food should always be covered to prevent flies perching on it and that all foods should be cooked properly before consumption.

He said the bacterium that causes the disease could be found in the vomit and excreta of an infected person and that anyone who comes in contact with such substances could be infected.

Dr. Antwi urged people with diarrhoea or symptoms to report to the nearest health facility.

Cholera is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio Cholerae, which affects the intestinal system of the body.

An infected person experiences severe vomiting, explosive diarrhoea and severe dehydration.

Without immediate medical treatment, cholera may result in death within four to twelve hours after symptoms begin to manifest.

Cholera causes the expulsion of huge volumes of body fluids reducing victims to their mere skeletal frames in the process.

GNA