The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a public health alert urging residents across the country to adopt strict hygiene and environmental measures as the rainy season sets in, warning of a heightened risk of both waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases.
According to the Service, the transition from prolonged dry conditions to heavy rains creates an environment conducive to outbreaks of illnesses such as cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever.
In a statement signed by the Director-General of the GHS, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Service explained that flooding and poor sanitation during the rainy season often lead to the contamination of drinking water sources with faecal matter, significantly increasing the spread of infections.
It further warned that stagnant water collected in discarded containers, tyres, cans, and other waste materials provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, intensifying the risk of malaria and other vector-borne diseases.
“The rains also create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, thereby increasing the risk of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever,” the statement noted.
The GHS also raised concerns about food safety during the season, cautioning that vegetables grown near water bodies could easily become contaminated and pose health risks if not properly washed before consumption.
To reduce the risk of outbreaks, the Service urged the public to maintain clean surroundings, eliminate stagnant water sources, and ensure proper hygiene in food handling and preparation.
Residents were also advised to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly using clean water, with salt or vinegar where necessary, and to patronise only hygienic and certified food vendors.
The statement encouraged regular handwashing with soap under running water and advised individuals experiencing symptoms of illness to seek prompt medical attention at health facilities.
Food vendors were directed to adhere strictly to food safety standards, including sourcing ingredients from approved suppliers, separating raw and cooked foods, and maintaining proper storage and preparation practices.
The GHS also reminded food handlers to keep their health certificates valid as part of efforts to ensure public safety.
Beyond disease transmission, the Service cautioned that flooding may displace reptiles and other harmful animals from their habitats, increasing the likelihood of human encounters.
It therefore advised households to keep surroundings clean, clear overgrown bushes, secure doors and windows where possible, and elevate household items to reduce hiding spaces for pests.
The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service reiterated their commitment to safeguarding public health and called on all citizens to cooperate fully in preventing disease outbreaks during the rainy season.
