TITLE:
Retrospective Study of an Epidemic Vibrio cholerae in the Central Region of Ghana: An Evidence from Surveillance Data
AUTHORS:
Gideon Kwarteng Acheampong, Isaac Owusu, Fidelis Zumah, Ernest Akyereko, Rebecca Ann Mpangah
KEYWORDS:
Cholera, Cape Coast Metropolis, Attack Rate, Retrospective Analysis
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.10 No.9,
September
27,
2023
ABSTRACT: Background: In October 2016, a cholera outbreak occurred in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Central Region, Ghana, spreading rapidly in peri-urban communities. The Researchers conducted a descriptive analysis of surveillance data to examine the epidemiological characteristics of this outbreak. Methods: The retrospective analysis covered cholera cases from October to December 2016, focusing on onset date, age, sex, rapid diagnostic test (RDT) results, and residence. Pearson’s chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests were used to find associations. Results: The outbreak comprised 731 cases, resulting in an overall attack rate of 67 per 100,000 population, with no reported fatalities. The epidemic curve exhibited multiple progressive peaks, indicative of a person-to-person transmission outbreak. The mean age of affected individuals was 23, and 40% of cases occurred in the 15 - 24 age group. There was no significant gender difference (p = 0.619). Cape Coast Metropolis accounted for nearly 90% of cases, while Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese (AAK) and Komenda-Edina-Eguafo Abirem (KEEA) contributed to the remaining 10%. RDT results were significantly associated with bacterial culture (p Conclusion: The Cholera outbreak was attributed to poor sanitation, hygiene, and water/food quality. Future interventions should prioritize addressing environmental and behavioural factors to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.