Strange skin disease outbreak hits Mepe, 46 individuals infected

Togbe Kwasi Amedor III, the sub-divisional chief of Mepe Gbavie-Dekume in the Volta Region, is calling on the government for immediate support as a mysterious skin disease continues to spread through the Avetakpo farming community, affecting dozens of residents.

So far, over 46 people — including children and adults — have been hit by the outbreak, with symptoms such as intense body pain and sleeplessness causing alarm across the area. The disease remains unidentified, and its cause unknown, leaving residents anxious and vulnerable as it spreads to neighbouring communities.

In his appeal, Togbe Amedor III said the financial situation of affected families has made access to medical care nearly impossible. The Ho East District Health Directorate has estimated that GH₵6,642.50 is needed to treat all those currently suffering from the illness — an amount well beyond the community’s means.

“We are pleading with the government to come to our aid because we are not able to raise the total of GH₵6,642.50,” the chief said.

Worsening the crisis is the community’s lack of clean drinking water. Togbe Amedor noted that residents often rely on water sources shared with cattle, raising fears of contamination and potential links to the mysterious illness.

Health officials have yet to confirm the cause of the disease, and without a diagnosis, treatment and prevention efforts remain stalled.

Togbe Amedor III is urging the government and relevant health authorities to act swiftly — not only by funding immediate treatment, but by launching an investigation into the disease’s origin and investing in clean water infrastructure and improved healthcare access.

“This situation is dire. We urgently need support — not only financial aid for treatment but also long-term solutions like access to clean water and better healthcare services,” he stressed.