The Ashanti Region has confirmed its first five cholera cases, marking its entry into the broader cholera outbreak affecting Ghana.

The cases, identified across three districts, include three in the Sekyere South District, and one each in Kumasi and Bekwai.

Out of 28 suspected cases reported in the region as of December 28, 2024, laboratory tests confirmed five positive results.

The outbreak in Ashanti Region adds to Ghana’s ongoing struggle with cholera, which has already impacted the Western, Greater Accra, and Central Regions.

Nationally, health authorities have recorded 4,155 suspected cases and 35 fatalities as of December 23, 2024.

In response to the outbreak, the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has ramped up efforts to contain the disease.

The Directorate convened an emergency meeting at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre with stakeholders, including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), environmental health officers, and district health directors.

Key interventions include:

Disinfecting households of confirmed cases. Isolating patients and conducting contact tracing. Strengthening public health surveillance in collaboration with district teams. Activating emergency health committees in affected districts.

Initial investigations in Bekwai and Sekyere South revealed that confirmed cases were isolated to specific households, with no evidence of public restroom usage, narrowing the potential sources of transmission.

To curb the outbreak, the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, led by Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, has intensified public education campaigns on cholera prevention.

Additionally, healthcare workers across the region have been trained in identifying cases, diagnosing symptoms, and tracing contacts.

“These efforts are crucial in ensuring an effective response and preventing further spread of the disease,” said Dr. Adomako-Boateng.

Health authorities are urging residents to maintain high standards of hygiene and report symptoms such as severe diarrhoea and vomiting promptly.