Cholera outbreak disturbing - community pharmacist

Mr Harrison Kofi Abutiate, a Community Pharmacist and President of the Glaucoma Association of Ghana, on Thursday said the frequent outbreak of cholera is worrying.

In a statement copied to the GNA in Accra, he said he was displeased that Ghana has had 7,200 cases of cholera and about 85 people had died countrywide as at February, 2011.

Additionally, 17 people are reportedly dead in Accra in April this year.

It advised that hand washing with soap under running water before eating and after going to the toilet should be strictly adhered to and that raw fruits and vegetables should also be thoroughly washed before eating.

The statement asked the public to rush patients with cholera to a health facility because cholera kills easily.

They should also watch out for signs and symptoms such as rapid onset of copious, smelly diarrhea, vomiting, wrinkled skin, low blood pressure, dry mouth and rapid heart rate as danger signs.

“Remember, cholera infection that is not rapidly and properly treated can lead to death,” it stressed.**