Following an outbreak of cholera in parts of the Western region, precisely Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan and Effie-Kwesimintsim, the Western Regional Co-ordinating Council on December 19, placed a ban on the sale of vegetables by vendors.
The ban was as a result of investigations made by the Environmental Surveillance, which revealed that about 96 per cent of cholera infections were related to food vendors, especially through the sale of contaminated vegetables. Vegetable sellers as well as food vendors have been banned from selling vegetables to residents as a means to reduce the infection rate of cholera amongst residents of the area.
Meanwhile, some vegetable and food vendors have expressed worry on the ban of if sale of vegetables. While most traders have adhered to the ban, others complained that selling vegetables was a form of livelihood for them and a ban on the sale was a hold on their lives.
Vendors mentioned that during this festive season, most of the dishes that are prepared require vegetables, however, the ban on the sale of vegetables is affecting their businesses and has slowed down their sales. The vendors also called on the authorities to lift the ban as the festive season approaches so they can also get some revenue to celebrate the holidays.
As at December 16 2024, there had been over 800 suspected cases recorded, with no sign of decrease in the number of infections. Some health officials in the Effie-Nkwanta hospital have expressed concern over the frequent visits by family members of the infected persons. They explained that some of these family members are unwilling to stay away from their relatives. Unfortunately, most of these visitors come back to the hospital, infected with cholera.
The Council therefore advised family members to stay away from infected relatives and practice good personal hygiene by washing their hands daily, eating hot food and drinking lots of water.
On the other hand, vaccination processes have began and children as well as adults, are being vaccinated against the disease. This is to aid in the reduction of cholera cases that keep on increasing in the area. Currently, the spread of the disease has claimed more than ten lives and the authorities are using all means possible to avoid an increase in the infection rate, including preaching the good personal hygiene practices and eating healthy foods.
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