Ministry of Health issues cholera outbreak alert- Eat warm food and wash your hands well

The Ministry of Health has warned that Ghana faces a heightened risk of a cholera outbreak following the recent floods that inundated parts of Accra, raising concerns over deteriorating sanitation conditions, contaminated water sources and the increased likelihood of water-borne disease transmission.

Health authorities are urging residents, particularly those living in flood-affected communities, to adopt strict hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent the spread of cholera and other infectious diseases as the rainy season continues.

The warning was issued during a high-level meeting on the implications of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) following the devastating floods that affected several communities across the Greater Accra Region.

Officials explained that stagnant floodwaters, overflowing drains, poor waste disposal and contamination of drinking water sources have created favourable conditions for the spread of cholera.

Cholera is a highly infectious disease transmitted through contaminated food or water and is characterised by severe diarrhoea, vomiting and rapid dehydration, which can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Public health experts say flood-related disruptions often increase the risk of outbreaks by exposing communities to unsafe water and inadequate sanitation facilities.

The Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Franklyn Asiedu Bekoe, disclosed that the Service is strengthening its preparedness measures to minimise the risk of an outbreak.

He announced that the GHS will roll out a comprehensive three-month cholera response plan focusing on:

• Enhanced disease surveillance
• Rapid case detection and management
• Community engagement and public education
• Intensified risk communication and health awareness campaigns

"As a service, we are reviewing our plans. To strengthen preparedness, the service will roll out a three-month response plan focused on enhanced disease surveillance, effective case management, community engagement, and intensified risk communication to educate the public on preventive measures. Our focus is more on prevention, because the risk factors are there," Dr Asiedu Bekoe stated.

According to Dr Asiedu Bekoe, Ghana's coastal communities continue to experience the highest risk of cholera outbreaks due to longstanding sanitation challenges, poor waste management and high population density.

He stressed that preventing another outbreak will require the collective efforts of government institutions, local authorities and residents to improve sanitation and maintain clean environments.

Health officials are urging the public to adopt simple but effective preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.

Residents have been advised to:

• Drink only safe and treated water.
• Wash hands regularly with soap and clean water.
• Keep homes and surroundings clean.
• Use hygienic toilet facilities.
• Avoid consuming contaminated food or unsafe drinking water.
• Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as severe diarrhoea or vomiting develop.

The Ghana Health Service emphasised that early treatment significantly improves recovery and helps prevent the spread of the disease.

Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh reaffirmed the government's commitment to preventing a cholera outbreak and strengthening collaboration with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), environmental health officers and other stakeholders.

He said coordinated action would be essential in improving sanitation, protecting public health and reducing the impact of the ongoing rainy season.

I want to reiterate the need for us to protect ourselves from the outbreaks. Let's use clean water and eat warm foods. Use sanitizer and wash our hands well," the Minister urged.

The Ministry of Health says surveillance teams have been placed on high alert as officials continue monitoring flood-affected communities for any suspected cholera cases.

Public education campaigns are also expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with health workers engaging communities on proper hygiene practices and the importance of maintaining clean surroundings.

The latest warning comes as emergency agencies continue recovery operations following the recent floods, which claimed lives, displaced thousands of residents and caused widespread destruction across parts of Greater Accra.

Health authorities are urging all Ghanaians to remain vigilant, observe recommended hygiene practices and promptly report any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility to help prevent a potential outbreak.