'Beware of diseases and snakebites' — GHS issues public health alert over rainy season risks
The Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has issued a public health alert warning Ghanaians about the increased health and safety risks associated with the onset of the rainy season.
The advisory, signed by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, outlines measures aimed at preventing disease outbreaks and reducing environmental health hazards during the rainy season.
Increased risk of waterborne and mosquito borne diseases
The GHS warned that the transition from prolonged dry conditions to the rainy season significantly increases the risk of waterborne diseases, as floodwaters can wash faecal matter and other contaminants into water sources.
According to the Service, this creates favourable conditions for the spread of diseases such as typhoid, cholera and dysentery.
The advisory also cautioned that vegetables cultivated near water bodies could become contaminated during periods of heavy rainfall.
In addition, stagnant water collected in discarded containers, old tyres, cans and other receptacles provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever.
Preventive measures for the public
To minimise these risks, the Ghana Health Service urged the public to observe good hygiene and environmental sanitation practices.
It advised households to keep their surroundings clean and free of containers that can collect stagnant water, clear bushes and overgrown vegetation around homes, and ensure that all food is properly cooked before consumption.
The Service also encouraged the public to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water and salt or vinegar, buy food only from hygienic and reputable sources, wash hands regularly with soap under running water, especially before handling food, and report promptly to the nearest health facility if symptoms of illness develop.
Advisory for food vendors
The GHS also directed food vendors to strengthen food safety practices during the rainy season.
According to the advisory, vendors should source food items only from hygienic and approved suppliers, maintain high standards of food preparation and storage, keep raw food separate from cooked or ready to eat meals, thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables with clean water and salt or vinegar, and ensure that their food handling certificates remain valid.
Warning over reptiles during flooding
The Ministry further cautioned that heavy rains and flooding may force reptiles out of their natural habitats, increasing the likelihood of encounters with humans.
To reduce the risk, residents have been advised to keep doors and windows closed where possible, raise personal belongings off the floor, clear bushes around their homes and seal holes or openings that could serve as hiding places for reptiles.
The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service reaffirmed their commitment to protecting public health and called on the public to cooperate by observing the recommended safety and hygiene measures to help prevent disease outbreaks during the rainy season.