Retrospective Study of an Epidemic Vibrio cholerae in the Central Region of Ghana: An Evidence from Surveillance Data

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 < 0.001), and sex was linked to final case classification (p = 0.004).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.