Ashanti Region records first five Cholera cases in three districts

The Ashanti Region has confirmed its first five cholera cases, spanning three districts, as the nationwide outbreak continues to spread.

Sekyere South District recorded the highest number of cases with three, while Kumasi and Bekwai each reported one case as of December 28. Laboratory tests confirmed these five cases from a pool of 28 suspected incidents.

This outbreak has now placed the Ashanti Region among others such as the Western, Greater Accra, and Central Regions, all of which have experienced fatal cholera outbreaks in recent months. Nationwide, the outbreak has resulted in 4,155 suspected cases and 35 fatalities since October 2024, according to data reported by December 23.

Health authorities in the Ashanti Region have ramped up efforts to curb the spread of the disease. The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate convened an emergency meeting at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, bringing together representatives from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), environmental health officers, water and sanitation departments, and health directors from district, municipal, and metropolitan areas.

To address the outbreak, the Directorate has initiated several interventions. These include disinfecting the homes of confirmed cases, isolating those affected, and conducting rigorous contact tracing to identify potential secondary cases. Public health surveillance has been strengthened, and local teams are working closely to coordinate a robust response. Additionally, public health emergency committees have been activated in areas with reported cases.

An assessment of impacted communities in Bekwai and Sekyere South revealed that all confirmed cases were confined to specific localities, with none of the affected individuals relying on public restrooms. In parallel, awareness campaigns have been intensified under the leadership of Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Regional Director of Health Services. These campaigns aim to educate the public on preventive measures while training healthcare workers to enhance their ability to identify and manage cases effectively.

The ongoing cholera outbreak began earlier this year in the Western Region, where over 100 cases were reported, resulting in 15 fatalities. The situation highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to control the spread of the disease and protect public health.