Mary Nyaaba, the District Health Promotion Officer for the Talensi area, has clarified that while no cholera cases have been recorded in the Upper East Region yet, authorities are determined to keep it that way. Cholera, a highly contagious disease, is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, leading to severe dehydration and other life-threatening symptoms.
As Ghana grapples with a cholera outbreak that has resulted in 21 recorded deaths across four regions, health workers in the Upper East Region are actively working to raise awareness about the disease.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Madam Nyaaba urged the public to remain vigilant for signs of cholera, which include severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. In severe cases, symptoms may escalate to wrinkled skin, sunken eyes, frequent thirst, and weakness. “Mostly, when you get it, it leads to severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. That is when you will see someone with sunken eyes and wrinkled skin,” she explained. She emphasized that these symptoms can worsen rapidly, making timely medical intervention critical.
The health officer highlighted that people living in areas with poor sanitation are particularly at risk. She strongly advised against self-medication, urging anyone showing symptoms to seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment, she noted, can significantly improve recovery chances, while delayed intervention could lead to poorer outcomes. “It is important to go to the hospital, where they can conduct laboratory tests to confirm whether it is cholera or not. You can’t sit at home, diagnose yourself, and take medication,” she cautioned.
Madam Nyaaba also advised residents to exercise caution when buying food, stressing the importance of checking the hygiene standards of food vendors and ensuring food is prepared in clean environments.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
