The Central Regional Environmental Health Office has instructed families to swiftly inter loved ones who succumb to cholera to curb the risk of infection.

0

Officials warned that cholera fatalities remain highly contagious and could trigger a health crisis if not handled appropriately.

1

Mr. Emmanuel Owusu Ashia, the Regional Environmental Health Officer for Hygiene Promotion, called on families to coordinate with health authorities for timely and safe burials.

2

“When somebody dies of cholera, we shouldn’t wait for one or two weeks. They must be buried quickly.

3

“When a family loses a relative through cholera, they should contact the environmental health division to help them with the disinfection of the body before burial. That is done to prevent the rest of the family from contracting the disease,” he said.

4

Mr. Ashia highlighted this point while conducting a training session on risk communication for 30 health officials in Cape Coast, aimed at strengthening response efforts against the cholera outbreak.

5

The session was organized by the Cape Coast Metropolitan Health Directorate as part of strategic interventions to curb the spread of the disease.

6

So far, the metropolis has reported six confirmed cholera cases and two suspected ones, with all patients receiving treatment at the Cape Coast Metro Hospital.

7

Mr. Ashia emphasized the severity of cholera, urging the public to uphold strict hand hygiene and ensure they consume only safe drinking water to minimize infection risks.

8

Meanwhile, Mr. Samuel Kwabena Ofosu, the Cape Coast Metro Director of Health Services, dismissed media reports alleging cholera-related deaths in the region.

9

He clarified that a patient who exhibited cholera-like symptoms and later passed away had tested negative for the disease.

10

Mr. Ofosu reiterated the Directorate’s dedication to containing the outbreak, stressing the importance of the training initiative.

11

Furthermore, he revealed that five specialized teams had been mobilized to affected communities to conduct public education, carry out disinfection exercises, and trace individuals who may have been exposed to the disease.

12

“Because of our history with cholera outbreak within the Metropolis, we don’t want to take any chance. We want to as soon as possible, control the disease so that it doesn’t travel beyond our capacity,” he added.

13