Ebola scare: Hand washing better than sanitiser - Doctor

A Medical Doctor has raised concern about the use of hand sanitisers as a precaution against the spread of Ebola in the Ghanaian society.

Dr. Samuel Obeng Somuah, District Health Director for Atwima Nwabiagya, has disclosed that hand washing has an added advantage and is safer than applying hand sanitisers.


He noted that applying sanitisers on the hands do not kill the viral, but knocks down the hemorrhagic viral.


Speaking at a health education forum organised by Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health in Kumasi, Dr. Somuah stated that water, which has chlorine of 0.05%, can kill any virus, including the Hemorrhagic viral.


The theme for the forum was: “Sanitation issues: The key to prevent diseases, Ebola and Cholera in focus-concern for all.”


The Atwima Nwabiagya District Health Director said we (Ghanaians) have to prepare well to quell off any outbreak that erupts in Ghana. He told the forum that the deadly viral which has crossed the Atlantic, spreads in seconds, and that Ghanaians are thinking about weeks, and recommended the engagement of responsive organisations to educate the masses.


“If we fail to step up education on the disease, then, I am afraid we cannot handle the disease,” he warned. Over 4,500 people have died from Ebola, tagging Western Africa as Ebola-ridden territory. The medical officer noted that the disease can be transmitted at funerals, in buses, hospitals at the time of undressing, mosques, and churches, and said it requires massive education and preventive measures to prevent it from entering Ghana.

Dr. Somuah indicated that Ebola originated from East Africa and has managed to invade West Africa, so Ghanaians have to be on high alert to handle any unfortunate Ebola case in Ghana.


On measures aimed at preventing Cholera from spreading in Kumasi, the Metro Health Director of the Kumasi Metropolis, Dr. Edward Kwesi Awudzi-Yeboah, urged Ghanaians to be mindful of what we take into our mouth.


He stated that Cholera is only contracted by eating the faeces of affected persons, and advised Ghanaians to eat hot meals, since that are the only means of avoiding Cholera.


“Avoid defecating indiscriminately to keep Cholera at bay,” he added.


The Ashanti Regional Environmental Officer, Mr. Paul Akanaba Abaah, urged Ghanaians to live healthy, and advised Ghanaians to report to nearest hospital should they witness fever and haemorrhagic symptoms in their body.