Adopt preventive measures against mosquito, waterborne diseases -GHS

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) urged Ghanaians to adopt preventive measures against waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases as rains set in

According to the GHS, the onset of the rains is often accompanied by increased cases of diseases such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery due to contaminated water sources. Rainwater, it explained, can wash faecal matter into streams, rivers and other water bodies, posing serious health risks to communities.

A press release signed by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, also warned that vegetables cultivated near water bodies could become contaminated during this period, making proper washing and cooking of food essential.

Again, the service noted that stagnant water created by the rains provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever. It identified discarded cans, old tyres and other containers that collect water as common mosquito breeding sites.

To minimise these risks, the GHS advised the public to keep their surroundings clean, clear bushes around homes and remove containers capable of collecting stagnant water. It also encouraged regular handwashing with soap under running water, thorough cooking of food, proper washing of fruits and vegetables with clean water and salt or vinegar, and purchasing food only from hygienic and reputable sources.

The service urged members of the public to report promptly to the nearest health facility if they develop symptoms of illness.

Food vendors were also reminded to observe strict food safety practices, including sourcing food items from approved suppliers, separating raw foods from cooked or ready-to-eat foods, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and ensuring that their food handling certificates remain valid.

The GHS further cautioned that flooding associated with the rains could drive reptiles from their natural habitats into human settlements.

 The service advised residents to keep doors and windows closed where possible, raise belongings off the floor during floods and clear bushes and holes around their homes that could serve as hiding places for reptiles.

The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of the public, and appealed for the cooperation of all residents to help prevent disease outbreaks throughout the rainy season.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu