Diarrhea outbreak hits Awutu Bawjiase

Awutu Bawjiase, (C/R), Oct. 20, GNA - The Awutu Bawjiase Health Centre has within the past two weeks, recorded 16 cases of diarrhoea at the facility, Mr Dziwornu Gall, Medical Assistant has said. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview at Awutu Bawjiase, Mr Gall said investigation conducted by the Centre has revealed an outbreak of the disease in the town.

The Medical Assistant said serious cases beyond their capability were referred to the Agona Swedru and Winneba Government Hospitals for further treatment, adding that, no death has been recorded. He attributed the outbreak to poor environmental situation at Bawjiase and called on the Awutu Senya District Assembly to improve on sanitation.

Mr Gall said the investigations further showed that, a pan latrine located at Bawjiase Zongo, which had not been emptied for the past one month, was flowing into drains, and that it was the main cause of the diarrhoea.

Mr Rex Okpah, an Environmental Health Officer at Awutu Bawjiase, told the GNA that, that particular place of convenience had been temporarily closed down and ordered the Awutu Bawjiase Area Council to ensure that it is dislodged.

He said the fumigation of the area had been done whiles education on sanitation is also being intensified in the various communities. He said food sellers at the Zongo are the prime targets of the educational programme, to ensure good personal hygiene. Mr Okpah cautioned them to avoid eating cold food, as part of measures to reduce the spread of the disease. He appealed to the District Assembly to construct modern toilet facilities, to replace the outmoded six-pan latrines at Awutu Bawjiase.