Cholera Cases in Agona Swedru Surge to 214
Health officials intensify efforts to curb the spread as public awareness and hygiene practices are ramped up in the affected areas
- 214 suspected cholera cases reported in Agona West, with 11 confirmed infections
- One death recorded at Swedru Government Hospital on January 2
- Authorities call for urgent hygiene measures and early medical reporting to prevent further spread
The Agona West Municipality in the Central Region is grappling with a rising cholera outbreak as suspected cases soar to 214, with 11 confirmed infections, according to the Ghana Health Service.
On January 2, the disease claimed a life at the Swedru Government Hospital, prompting municipal health officials to issue a public call for vigilance. Municipal Health Director Bertha Arthur urged residents to maintain high hygiene standards and seek immediate medical attention for symptoms like dehydration, diarrhea, and vomiting.
“In outbreak conditions, surpassing a specific threshold signifies an emergency. It’s critical that we act now with a collaborative approach to tackle this menace,” Ms. Arthur emphasized.
In response to the outbreak, the municipality has ramped up public education and deployed a multi-faceted intervention strategy to control the spread. Nationally, cholera has claimed 37 lives as of December 26, 2024, with confirmed cases rising from 346 to 359.
To curb the spread, the Ghana Health Service has activated rapid response teams and completed Phase 2 of an oral cholera vaccine campaign, achieving a 92.9% vaccination coverage in hotspots. Enhanced testing of food vendors and water sources is also ongoing.
Authorities continue to urge the public to stay alert, report symptoms early, and adhere to strict hygiene practices to prevent further infections.
