The Nanumba North Municipality in the Northern Region has witnessed a surge in typhoid cases, largely attributed to poor sanitation and unsafe water sources.
For the past few days, the municipality has faced a severe water crisis, with the only available source being the Waapu Dam, which is deemed unwholesome. The absence of proper sanitation facilities has led to widespread open defecation, further exacerbating the situation.
Additionally, food vendors in the area rely on water tanker services for their supply, raising contamination concerns.
In response to the rising cases, environmental health officers, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, have initiated a screening exercise for food vendors to curb the spread of the disease.
Typhoid is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food, drinks, or water. Once ingested, the bacteria can cause severe illness. Some individuals become carriers, shedding the bacteria in their stools for years and potentially infecting others.
The sanitation crisis in Nanumba North is dire, with some communities lacking proper facilities entirely. As a result, open defecation is widespread, further contaminating water sources.
Health officials are alarmed by the increasing number of cases and have intensified awareness campaigns to educate residents on safe food and water consumption practices. To combat the outbreak, health authorities, in partnership with environmental health officers, have launched a mass vaccination campaign targeting food vendors.
Alhassan Abdul Somed, the Municipal Environmental Officer for Nanumba North, emphasized the importance of the vaccination exercise. He revealed that the goal is to immunize approximately 700 food vendors and warned of consequences for those who fail to comply.
Fusheini Lugman, the nurse in charge of the vaccination campaign, underscored the urgency of the situation.
“Typhoid cases in the districts are becoming alarming, that is why we are conducting the screening exercise. Throughout the exercise, we have been educating the public on the disease to control and prevent the spread of typhoid in the district,” he said.
Some food vendors expressed their appreciation for the initiative, noting that it would benefit both their health and their businesses.
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