Director of the Kwesimintsim Polyclinic, Dr. Osei Frimpong, has advised the Ghanaian public to avoid eating out and adopt home-cooked meals as part of efforts in preventing further spread of the cholera.
He also advised the public to avoid salads and uncooked vegetables while ensuring that food is thoroughly cooked.
The medical professional stressed the need for the public to avoid street food, as this can easily spread the cholera disease.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, he revealed the facility is currently recording not less than 20 to 30 cases every day.
He said the treatment sometimes requires that affected persons are admitted, spending more than a week making the facility overwhelmed with cases.
He disclosed that for the entire Western region, 15 persons have been confirmed dead as a result of the outbreak, while three persons were brought in dead at the facility where he works.
He lamented that the affected persons failed to seek medical care, and when they were brought in, it was too late.
Dr. Osei Frimpong advised the public to rush to the hospital immediately when they experience diarrhoea and not wait till they are at work.
He noted that due to severe dehydration, fatality rates are high when untreated, especially among children and infants.
The symptoms include large volumes of explosive, watery diarrhoea, sometimes called “rice water stools” because it can look like water that has been used to wash rice.
“We have to be very careful with the food we eat.” The way the flies spread the disease is alarming, so we must be cautious about what we eat. The vegetables and salads we eat can spread the disease. So, given the current state of the outbreak, we recommend that the public avoid street foods and instead cook at home. We can return to our street foods once the situation is under control,” he said.
Meanwhile, he has requested assistance because the facility is overwhelmed with cases.
He stated that the facility would appreciate it if the public could donate toiletries, detergents, and other supplies to assist in the treatment of patients.
He claims that due to financial constraints, several affected people refuse to visit the hospital.
He clarified that Cholera treatment is free, and that the public should seek help if they begin to experience symptoms.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
