Ghana’s cholera deaths reach 37 despite slow down in admissions

The Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, has indicated that as of January 1, 2025, Ghana had recorded 37 deaths from cholera since the October 2024 outbreak. 

The national health management body says it has also traced  9,667 contacts related to the cases, with 8,667 contacts completing a 5-day follow-up.

According to Dr Asiedu-Bekoe, while the death toll has increased from 21 to 37, the number of patients admitted to health facilities has begun to fall. 

“I will say that for now, the surge in cases is on the low side, which is good. As at yesterday (December 31, 2024), we are not getting any more cases. The two additional deaths by the last count were from the Western Region. We are not getting more severe cases,” Dr Aseidu-Bekoe said.

The Western Region has been identified as the hotspot for the disease since its outbreak, recording the highest number of deaths (19) and people hospitalised (37) in the country. Meanwhile, the Central and Greater Accra Regions have six and three persons hospitalised respectively. 

Cholera is a highly contagious illness and remains a significant global health threat. If left untreated, cholera can lead to death. 

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As part of a response strategy, the GHS launched an oral vaccination campaign from November 30 to December 3, 2024. The Oral Cholera Vaccine is vital in managing cholera outbreaks. It is expected to complement and not replace other control measures.

Between November 30 and December 19 for instance, the Ghana Health Service said it vaccinated 662,906 persons out of an eligible population of 792,482. 

At the end of the oral vaccinations, Dr Asiedu-Bekoe said authorities are now recording mild cases with fewer hospitalisations. 

“When you talk of suspected cases, there is a little surge, but that is good because when you have more awareness people tend to report but we are getting mild cases so we are getting a decline in admissions and hopefully we won’t get any more severe cases, and we will say the outbreak is on a decline,” he said. 

By GhanaFact Newsroom