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Ghana Health Service warns of increased disease risk during rainy season
via GhanaWeb2 min read
The Ghana Health Service GHS has issued a public caution regarding an elevated risk of disease outbreaks as the rainy season begins. In a statement released on June 16, 2026, the GHS explained that early rains can wash fecal matter and other waste into water sources, increasing the likelihood of waterborne illnesses like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. The GHS advises the public to maintain clean surroundings, eliminate stagnant water, clear bushes, and ensure proper food preparation and handling. Residents are also urged to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables, practice regular handwashing, and seek early medical attention for illness symptoms. Additionally, the GHS noted that stagnant water creates breeding grounds for insect vectors, raising the threat of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever. Food vendors are specifically advised to adhere to hygiene standards, source ingredients from approved suppliers, separate raw and cooked foods, and ensure valid food handling certifications. The GHS also warned that heavy rains and subsequent flooding could displace reptiles like snakes, increasing human encounters, and recommended keeping environments clean, closing potential entry points, and elevating stored items. The Service reaffirmed its commitment to public health, emphasizing that community cooperation is vital in preventing seasonal outbreaks.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
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