The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has disclosed that medical practitioners have identified persons with diarrhoea and bilharzia in emergency shelters set up for people affected by the Akosombo and Kpong Dam spillages.
Acting General Secretary of the GMA, Dr. Richard Selormey, disclosed this in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM.
Dr Selormey said that a team was dispatched by the Association to help with rescue efforts in the affected areas and came across a number of people with diarrhoea, bilharzia and some skin diseases.
“We have noted that the most common diseases contracted by victims are malaria, skin diseases, and respiratory conditions because they are in close contact. We have also noticed that there are a few people beginning to show signs of diarrhoea diseases and about two people are also showing signs of bilharzia,” he added.
Dr. Selormey further warned of an outbreak of waterborne diseases and urged the people to observe safety protocols while waiting for relief items.
Meanwhile, thousands of displaced persons in North and South Tongu in the Volta region have resorted to using polluted water for some of the chores.
The Volta Regional Health Directorate raised concerns about the possible outbreak of waterborne diseases following the flooding incident that occurred in some districts in the Volta Region.
The Akosombo dam spillage which began on September 15 has wreaked havoc, especially in the North Tongu, Central Tongu, and South Tongu districts in the Volta Region as homes are flooded and many latrines and open places of convenience washed away, leaving those evacuated to only survive on a few washrooms available.
