The Ashanti region has confirmed five cholera cases in three districts weeks after four other regions recorded their first cases.
According to the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, the Sekyere South district has three confirmed cases, while Kumasi and Bekwai have recorded one case each.
It said five out of 28 suspected cases returned positive during laboratory tests.
This has put the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate on its toes as the directorate summoned all stakeholders to a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre meeting to address the situation.
Regional teams have since been assigned to support district teams in continuing active surveillance and implementing recommended actions.
Meanwhile, the health directorate has allayed the fear of residents after it disinfected households of all cases, isolated cases, and traced and confined all contacts as part of measures to reduce further spread.
The region follows the Western, Greater Accra, and Central regions, which have already recorded fatalities.
The Western Region has been the most affected, recording 17 deaths, with the majority occurring within 24 hours of hospital admission.
Efforts to curb the spread have included an oral cholera vaccination campaign conducted from November 30 to December 19, 2024, in hotspot areas such as Awutu Senya East and Sekondi-Takoradi.
GHS Director-General Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye has advised the public to take extra precautions, such as drinking only safe water, thoroughly washing food, and maintaining good hygiene.