Saltpond (C/R), Feb. 27, GNA - Cholera outbreak at Ekumfi Immuna, Arkra and Ekumpoano, all in the Mfantseman District has claimed three lives and over 15 others, receiving treatment at Otuam and Essuehyia health centres.

Mr Francis Zuradam Saareson, the District Disease Control Officer and Mr Samuel Sosi, the District Director of Health, Disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency in an interview at Saltpond.

Mr Saareson said a number of the health personnel have been despatched to the affected communities to bring the situation under control.

Mr Sosi said there was no cause for alarm as the District Health Directorate in collaboration with the Regional Health Directorate, the District Assembly and some organisations, were working around the clock to manage the situation.

He appealed to people of the area, especially those in the coastal towns to observe personal and environmental hygiene. The District Director urged them to ensure that they washed their hands with soap after attending to nature's call or after attending to an infected person.

He advised them to eat their food hot and always protect the food from flies.

Mr Sosi said he had ordered that the communities be sprayed with chemicals.

He advised them to report to the nearest health facility, when they saw symptoms of the disease. Meanwhile, Mr Robert Quainoo-Arthur, the District Chief Executive has visited the communities to ascertain the seriousness of the situation.

He educated them on how to avoid contracting the disease.