Ghana has reported 50 suspected cholera cases this year, though all have tested negative. Dr. Dennis Laryea, Deputy Director of Public Health in charge of Surveillance at the Ghana Health Service, emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal hygiene to prevent potential infections.
His appeal comes in response to a significant rise in cholera cases in neighboring Nigeria, where over 800 suspected cases and 16 deaths have been reported in 30 out of 36 states as of June. Dr. Laryea highlighted that Ghana is maintaining high surveillance to detect any potential cross-border infections that may be incubating before travelers enter the country.
He noted that the key issue is not just the number of cases but how effectively they are managed if they arise. Ghana last experienced a cholera outbreak in 2019.