GHS launches emergency response to typhoid surge in Oti Region
The Ghana Health Service (GHS), in collaboration with the Oti Regional Coordinating Council and under the guidance of the Ministry of Health, has initiated an emergency response following a concerning surge in typhoid fever cases across several districts in the Oti Region.
According to the GHS, the affected districts include Biakoye, Krachi East, Krachi West and Krachi Nchumuru, where health authorities have reported a sharp rise in suspected cases in recent weeks.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 28 August, the GHS confirmed that a National Case Management Rapid Response Team has been dispatched to support the regional health directorate in assessing the situation and coordinating interventions.
“The Ghana Health Service, with support from the Ministry of Health, has deployed the National Case Management Rapid Response Team to assist the regional team in ascertaining the situation,” the statement said.
Typhoid fever, which is endemic in Ghana, is caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. The disease spreads primarily through the faecal-oral route, often when contaminated food or water is consumed.
Health experts caution that some infected individuals may not display symptoms but can still transmit the bacteria.
Common symptoms include persistent fever, chills, general weakness and malaise, headache, sore throat and abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea.
To curb the spread, the GHS is urging the public, particularly residents in the affected districts, to strictly observe the following preventive measures: drink only safe water, preferably boiled; wash hands with soap under running water after using the toilet and before eating; avoid open defecation, especially near water sources; cook food thoroughly, keep meals covered and avoid unhygienic street food; and participate in community clean-up exercises to keep public spaces, gutters and markets free from refuse.
The GHS has assured residents that comprehensive measures will be rolled out after the team’s initial assessment to contain the outbreak and safeguard lives.
“We entreat the public to remain calm and adhere to the advice of medical personnel on the ground. Further details and additional interventions will be announced following the team’s assessment,” the statement noted.
