As communities recover from the recent flooding that affected parts of Ghana, health worker Dr. Anansey has warned that the aftermath could trigger outbreaks of waterborne and communicable diseases if preventive measures are not taken.
Dr. Anansey urged students and the general public to remain vigilant by practising good personal hygiene and seeking immediate medical attention whenever they experience symptoms of illness. He stressed that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing complications and reducing the spread of disease.
"If you or your family experience any persistent fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, rashes that are not healing, Donot wait at all, visit the nearest hospital or health center for treatment," Dr. Anansey advised.
According to him, floodwaters often contain harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other contaminants that increase the risk of diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, diarrhoea, malaria, and skin infections. He noted that stagnant water, poor sanitation, and accumulated waste left behind after floods create conditions that allow disease-causing organisms to thrive.
Dr. Anansey encouraged students to adopt preventive health practices, including washing their hands regularly with soap and clean water, drinking treated or boiled water, eating freshly prepared meals, and maintaining clean surroundings. He also advised students to avoid contact with stagnant floodwater whenever possible and to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their residences.
The warning is particularly relevant for students living in hostels and off-campus residences, where shared sanitation facilities, overcrowding, and poor drainage systems may increase exposure to infectious diseases if proper hygiene practices are neglected.
Recent heavy rainfall left several communities flooded, disrupting transportation, damaging property, and displacing residents. While recovery efforts continue, health experts say protecting public health remains a critical priority in the days and weeks following the disaster.
As the country moves beyond the immediate impact of the floods, Dr. Anansey believes that individual responsibility will play a key role in preventing disease outbreaks. He urged students not to ignore symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, skin rashes, or unusual weakness, but to seek professional medical care without delay.