St Theresa Hospital records 14 cases of buruli ulcer

Nkoranza (B/A), Nov. 1, GNA - Saint Theresa's Hospital at Nkoranza in Brong Ahafo has recorded at least 14 cases of buruli ulcer within the last 12 months. The endemic communities include Bono-Manso, Kwafre, Asuano, Donkro-Nkwanta, Ayerede, Abuontam and Nkoranza Estate area. Mr. Owusu Kankam, District Assistant Disease Control Officer and Coordinator in-charge of buruli ulcer told the Ghana News Agency that the Hospital recorded six cases late last year and eight since January this year.

Giving a breakdown of the cases, Mr. Kankam said two cases were recorded at Bono Manso, four at Donkro-Nkwanta and two each at Ayerede, Abuontam and Asuano, while a case each was reported at Kwafre and Nkoranza Estate.

He announced that the district health directorate had arranged a training workshop for 96 community volunteers to detect symptoms of the disease and report to health authorities for prompt intervention. Mr. Kankam said the virus that causes buruli ulcer spread widely in waterlogged areas with poor sanitation and belonged to the bacteria family that causes tuberculosis and leprosy.