In a bid to curb the rapidly escalating cholera outbreak in the Western Region, the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) has taken immediate action by banning the sale of vegetables by food vendors. This decisive move comes after environmental health investigations linked a significant portion of the outbreak to contaminated vegetables sold by food vendors.
As of December 7, 2024, the region has reported 789 suspected cases of cholera, with over 60 new cases emerging daily. The majority of infections are concentrated in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan and Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal areas, accounting for a staggering 95% of the total cases.
The WRCC’s Environmental Health Department discovered that a whopping 96% of cholera cases were connected to contaminated vegetables, prompting the urgent intervention. Vendors who continue to sell vegetables will face legal action under the Public Health Act, 2012, Act 851.
Oliver Cromwell, the Regional Environmental Health Analyst, emphasized that this measure is necessary to protect public health. “We urge the public to avoid purchasing vegetables from vendors until further notice. Vegetables intended for home use should be thoroughly washed and treated to ensure safety.”
The WRCC is working closely with health authorities to monitor and control the spread of cholera, while urging the public to take extra precautions when handling food. This swift action aims to halt further infections and contain the outbreak.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
