Cholera Outbreak in Kasoa Claims 5 Lives

Cholera Outbreak in Kasoa: 5 Dead, 30+ Hospitalized as Health Officials Issue Urgent Caution

A cholera outbreak has claimed the lives of five people in Kasoa, located in the Awutu Senya East Municipality of Ghana’s Central Region, as confirmed by local health officials. In addition to the fatalities, approximately 30 individuals are currently receiving treatment at the Kasoa Polyclinic and Mother and Child Hospital following the spread of the disease.

Anita Love Obo Amissah, the Municipal Chief Executive for Awutu Senya East, disclosed that three of the five victims succumbed to the illness on Thursday night, with the remaining two passing away by Friday afternoon. “As I speak to you, five persons have unfortunately lost their lives because of this disease,” Amissah reported during a media briefing after visiting the Kasoa Polyclinic last Friday.

The outbreak began in the Kasoa New Market Health Centre, from which many cases were transferred to the Kasoa Polyclinic. According to Amissah, there were 21 confirmed cases on Thursday, and by the following day, the number had risen to 30. She further mentioned that nearby districts, including Gomoa East and Awutu Senya West, had also reported cases, which were subsequently referred to Kasoa for treatment.

Commending the medical staff at the Kasoa Polyclinic, Amissah praised their diligent work in managing the influx of cholera patients. She also issued an advisory to food vendors, stressing the critical importance of adhering to personal hygiene standards, especially when handling food, to prevent further spread of the infection.

As cholera continues to pose a public health risk in affected areas, officials urge residents to practice good sanitation and hygiene, including regular handwashing and ensuring the safety of drinking water and food. The outbreak highlights the need for increased vigilance, sanitation measures, and rapid response to control and prevent the further spread of the disease in the region.