Cholera Kills 12 In Cape Coast

Twelve persons including a medical doctor and three student nurses have died from cholera in Cape Coast, the Central Regional capital. A total of 922 cholera cases have been reported in various health facilities in the metropolis since the disease broke out in the region a few weeks ago. Some reported sick with diarrhea and vomiting after eating �kenkey� and �waakye� while others got infected by drinking sachet water. The Cape Coast Metropolitan Director of Health Services, Mr Samuel Sosi cautioned that �nobody is safe and we must work harder to break the transmission as soon as possible.� He indicated that the cases were coming in from Kotokuraba, Nkanfoa, London Bridge and almost all suburbs of Cape Coast and from all social classes. Some of the cases were also being brought in from neighbouring communities including Jukwa, Frami and Elmina. He said that it was important for all to observe utmost sanitary and hygienic practices, saying the disease is sparing no one. He said some people begin treating the cases at home and only come to the hospital when the situation becomes critical. No second cycle institution had reported a case. He said the health directorate had already educated all domestic bursars on the disease to enable them educate the cooks on proper sanitary practices. A total of 117 suspected cases have been reported at the University of Cape Coast hospital alone. The Vice Chancellor of the UCC, Prof D.D Kuupole said at this year�s matriculation ceremony that not all cases reported to the university�s facilities were students, saying some came from the university's neighbouring communities. Prof Kuupole said the university owed it a social responsibly to the community to serve its people.