The number of cholera cases recorded in the Central Region has increased to 157.

This was revealed by the Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Badu-Sarkodie at a press conference in Accra today (Wednesday).

“As of 1 November, 2016, a total of 157 cholera cases with no deaths reported in the Cape Coast Metropolis in the Central Region.”

He mentioned that the outbreak started on October 21 after a patient was diagnosed with the disease at the University of Cape Coast hospital.

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“The following day two more patients presented to Cape Coast Teaching Hospital with similar symptoms. Stool samples were obtained from these patients tested patients for Vibrio cholera.”

“The Regional Health Directorate accordingly notified the Disease Surveillance Department of the GHS.”

He mentioned that they Ministry of Health together with other stakeholders have taken appropriate steps to ensure the disease does not spread outside the metropolis.

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Despite these measures that have been put in place Dr Badu-Sarkodie was quick to add that the population remains at risk if “they continue to drink unsafe or contaminated water, consume contaminated food and practice open defecation.

He encouraged the general public to report to a health centre nearby immediately they experience the cholera symptoms.