The Nanumba North Municipality in the Northern Region is witnessing a rise in typhoid cases, primarily due to poor sanitation and unsafe water sources.

For days, residents have struggled with a severe water shortage, forcing them to rely on the Waapu Dam, which has been deemed unwholesome. The situation is worsened by widespread open defecation, further contaminating water sources.

Food vendors, who depend on water tanker services, face heightened risks of contamination, raising concerns among health officials.

In response, environmental health officers, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, have launched a screening and vaccination exercise targeting food vendors to curb the spread of the disease.

Municipal Environmental Officer for Nanumba North, Alhassan Abdul Somed, said the initiative aims to immunize 700 food vendors, warning of consequences for those who fail to comply.

“Typhoid cases in the district are becoming alarming. That is why we are conducting the screening and educating the public to prevent further spread,” said Fusheini Lugman, the nurse leading the vaccination campaign.

Health officials have also intensified awareness campaigns, urging residents to adopt safe food and water consumption practices to help contain the outbreak.