Tema, Nov. 12, GNA - Cholera epidemics continue to increase in the Tema Municipality with 19 cases recorded by the Tema Municipal Health Directorate. No deaths have been recorded yet.

Since October 15 when the first case was detected, it has spread to other areas with six coming from Ashaiman, four in Tema township, two from Tema Manhean and one each from Lashibi, Kpone, Zenu, Ashaiman Timber Market, Old Ningo, Dawhenya and La, Palmwine Junction. The Health Directorate has however, assured the public of its readiness to handle cholera cases, as there are enough Intravenous infusions, drugs and supplies provided by the Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate to both public and private health institutions in the municipality.

With the turn of events, the Tema Municipal Assembly (TMA) has banned home-tied "ice water" from sale in any part of the municipality. A statement issued by the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr David Quaye Annan to all food sellers and caterers stressed the need to strictly adhere to personal and environmental cleanliness to prevent the contraction of diseases.

He noted that the current outbreak of cholera in the Tema municipality is as a result of non-practice of hygiene, saying research has proved that commercial food is often contaminated after cooking, due to poor handling, thus exposing the public to food-borne disease. Mr Annan therefore, warned all public food sellers and caterers to observe strict food hygiene, by not handling the food with bare hands and also refrain from exposing food to flies and dust.

The situation prompted the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Mr Kofi Edusei Poku to tour Tema to see measures being put in place to combat the spread of the pandemic.