The Ghana Health Service (GHS), in collaboration with the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, has deployed the National Case Management Rapid Response Team to the Oti Region following a reported surge in typhoid fever cases.
The affected districts include Biakoye, Krachi East, Krachi West, and Krachi Nchumuru, where health authorities are working to assess the situation and coordinate an appropriate response.
In a press release issued on Thursday, August 28, the GHS described the situation as a public health concern and outlined the steps being taken to support regional health teams on the ground.
“The Service, with support from the Ministry, has deployed the National Case Management Rapid Response Team to support the regional team to ascertain the situation,” the statement read.
Typhoid fever is endemic in Ghana and is caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacterium. The disease spreads through the faecal-oral route, often via contaminated food or water. Individuals infected with the bacteria may show symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, malaise, sore throat, and abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea.
GHS Advises the Public to Take Precautionary Measures:
Boil drinking water before use.
Wash hands with soap under running water, especially after using the toilet and before meals.
Avoid open defecation near water sources such as streams and wells.
Cook food thoroughly and cover it properly.
Refrain from consuming food sold under unhygienic conditions.
Participate in community clean-up activities to reduce the risk of contamination.
The Ghana Health Service has urged residents in the affected areas and across the country to stay calm and adhere to health and hygiene guidelines provided by local health workers.
“We wish to entreat the public to remain calm and follow expert advice from the medical personnel on the ground,” said Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah, Acting Deputy Director-General of the GHS, who signed the release.
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