The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has cautioned the general public and health facilities to be on high alert for symptoms of cholera in their vicinities.

This alert comes after the Volta Regional Health Directorate reported confirmed cases of cholera from Aflao in the Ketu South Municipality.

According to the alert, the municipality confirmed two cases of cholera within the last week. The two individuals who fell ill with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting were detected as suspected victims at the Aflao border.

The affected individuals along with four others were held in isolation for three days for investigations, laboratory tests and treatment.

The individuals who were affected were discharged after they responded well to treatment. The other four were also released after they showed no signs of infection.

The Ghana Health Service has advised the general public and health workers in all districts to be on high alert and make extra efforts to step up activities on cholera prevention.

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REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF HEALTH SERVICES

ALL REGIONS

CONFIRMED CASES OF CHOLERA IN KETU SOUTH MUNICIPAL VOLTA REGION CHOLERA ALERT!

The Volta Regional Health Directorate has reported confirmed cases of Cholera from Aflao, Ketu South Municipality.

The municipality suspected and subsequently confirmed two cases of Cholera within this week. Both cases were imported, probably from Lagos, Nigeria. The two were both Ghanaian traders, residents in Kumasi and went to Lagos-Nigeria to buy goods. On their return to Kumasi where they live, both befell ill with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting and were detected as suspected Cholera at the Aflao border, ground crossing early in the week. They were isolated for investigation and managed as suspected Cholera cases and yesterday, the 24th October 2018, laboratory tests confirmed Cholera. Both responded well to treatment and have been discharged.

They were with four (4) other people in the same vehicle who were managed as contacts and have been discharged following three days observation without symptoms.

Further investigation, surveillance and other response actions are ongoing. We will follow the event very closely and provide updates as appropriate.

This correspondence is to formally notify and request you to be on the alert to prevent and protect against further transmission.

We request all Regional Directors of Health Services to indicate to all districts and health facilities to be on the high alert, have higher suspicion index for Cholera and make extra efforts to identify the etiologic agent responsible for diarrhoea and vomiting that meet case definition for Cholera through laboratory investigations.

Specifically, we entreat you to step up activities on cholera prevention and response actions, including the following:

• Enhanced surveillance on diarrhoea diseases
• All cases that meet case definition for suspected Cholera (Sudden onset of severe watery diarrhoea and vomiting, with severe dehydration or sudden death due to diarrhoea and vomiting, particularly, in children above five and adults) should be thoroughly investigated for early detection of cholera.

 Update your emergency preparedness and response plans on cholera and other diarrheas e Mount public education on the prevention of cholera/diarrhoea diseases o Engage and initiate advocacy dialogue with MMDAs, Water Sector and other relevant institutions for the provision of social services (water and sanitation in particular)

Please remind the districts and facilities that, reporting of Cholera (confirmed or suspected) to next level is immediate and therefore all suspected cases should be immediately reported while investigations are ongoing.

KINDLY SEND THIS ALERT MESSAGE TO ALL DISTRICTS AND FACILITIES IN YOUR REGION

Thank you.

DR. BADU SARKOD

DIRECTOR, PUBLIC HEALTH

FOR: DIRECTOR GENERAL

GHANA HEALTH SERVICE

CC: HEAD DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION DEPARTMENT

HEAD DISEASE SURVEILLANCE DEPARTMENT ALL DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS, GHS HQ