Guard against disease outbreaks, reptile invasion as rains set in-GHS  

As dark clouds gather and the rains begin to fall across the country, health authorities are urging Ghanaians to take extra precautions to protect themselves and their families from disease outbreaks commonly associated with the rainy season.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS), through the Ministry of Health, has issued a public health alert, warning that the onset of the rains, particularly after prolonged dry spells, could lead to an increase in waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases.

According to a statement signed by the Director-General of the GHS, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery were likely to surge during this period as rainwater may carry contaminated waste into water sources used by communities.

For many residents, especially those living in flood-prone areas, the warning serves as a reminder of the health challenges that often accompany the rainy season.

Beyond contaminated water, the GHS noted that vegetables cultivated near water bodies could also become contaminated, posing additional health risks to consumers.

“The rains also create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever. Stagnant water collected in discarded cans, old vehicle tyres and other containers has been identified as a major source of mosquito breeding,” it warned.

Health experts are, therefore, encouraging households to keep their surroundings clean by removing objects that can collect water and by clearing bushes around homes.

The service further advised the public to ensure that food was thoroughly cooked before consumption and to wash fruits and vegetables properly with clean water and salt or vinegar.

The service also urged residents to buy food only from hygienic and reputable sources and maintain regular hand washing with soap under running water, particularly before handling food.

Food vendors, who play a critical role in public health, were also reminded to adhere strictly to food safety practices and advised them to source ingredients from approved suppliers.

The statement also highlighted another often-overlooked consequence of heavy rains and flooding, which is the increased movement of reptiles into residential areas.

Floodwaters, the GHS explained, can force reptiles out of their natural habitats and into human settlements in search of dry ground.

Residents have, therefore, been advised to keep doors and windows closed where possible, raise belongings off the floor and eliminate potential hiding places around their homes.

Professor Akoriyea stressed that safeguarding public health during the rainy season requires collective responsibility.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu