GHS Warns of Waterborne Outbreaks and Reptile Infestations as Rainy Season Begins
The Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service, has issued an urgent public health advisory following the onset of the rainy season, warning citizens of heightened risks for waterborne outbreaks, mosquito-borne diseases, and dangerous wildlife displacements.
Health officials explained that the early rains following prolonged dry periods significantly elevate the risk of diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery, as rainwater washes contaminated faecal matter directly into local water sources.
The service also cautioned that vegetables cultivated near water bodies are highly susceptible to contamination during this period.
Furthermore, stagnant rainwater collecting in discarded cans, old tyres, and unkempt containers creates rapid breeding grounds for mosquitoes, threatening a surge in malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever cases.
To mitigate these risks, the Ghana Health Service is urging the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene by clearing bushes around homes and keeping surroundings free of water-collecting containers.
For personal health protection, individuals are advised to wash their hands regularly with soap under running water, ensure all meals are thoroughly cooked, and wash fruits and vegetables with clean water mixed with salt or vinegar.
Consumers are also cautioned to purchase food exclusively from hygienic and reputable sources and report to the nearest health facility immediately if any symptoms of illness occur.
Food vendors have been handed explicit guidelines to prevent commercial contamination outbreaks.
Vendors are required to source their items from approved, hygienic suppliers, maintain valid food handling certificates, and follow rigorous safety protocols during food preparation and storage.
The directive strictly emphasises separating raw food items, such as fish and meat, from cooked or ready-to-eat meals, alongside the mandatory thorough washing of all fresh produce.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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