Abstract
IntroductionCholera is an acute illness characterized by profuse watery diarrhea. It is caused by vibrio cholera subgroup 01 and 0139. Rapid administration of fluid replacement therapy and supportive treatment can reduce mortality to around 1%. By the close of 2011, 10,628 cases and 100 deaths were reported in Ghana with a case fatality rate of 0.99. It is important to evaluate the cholera surveillance system in Ghana to determine if it is meeting its objective.MethodsThe study was conducted in Osu Klottey district in the Accra Metropolitan area in January 2014. We assessed the operations (attributes and performance) of the surveillance system for cholera using CDC guidelines (2001). Surveillance data records at the district level from 2011-2013 were extracted and analyzed for frequency using Microsoft excel. Stakeholders and key informants were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Records were also reviewed at some health facilities and at district levels.ResultsIn 2011 and 2012, case fatality rates (1.3% and 0.65%) respectively. Males were mostly affected. The most affected age group was 20-29. In 2011, Predictive value positive was 69.2% and 50% in 2012.Cholera peaked in March 2011 and April 2012. The Government of Ghana funded the system. The system is sensitive, simple, stable, flexible, acceptable and representative. It was also useful and data quality was relatively good. Predictive Value Positive was also good.ConclusionThe surveillance system is achieving its set out objectives. The system is sensitive, simple, stable, flexible, and acceptable. Predictive value positive was good.
Highlights
Cholera is an acute illness characterized by profuse watery diarrhea
The case fatality rates of the surveillance system seen in this study in 2011(1.3%) and 2012(0.6%) is lower than what was seen in Nigeria by Boshorun and friends, (4.1% in 2011 and 1.29 in 2012 by week 26)
The positive predicted value of the surveillance system seen in this study (58.3%) is higher than what was seen in Nigeria by Bashorun and friends, 33% [4]
Summary
Cholera is an acute illness characterized by profuse watery diarrhea. It is caused by vibrio cholera subgroup 01 and 0139 [1]. Data registers were reviewed at some health facilities and at the district, regional, and national levels. The information Officer at the facility goes through the register collects and collates the number of cases and deaths to be reported to the district health directorate and subsequently to the regional and national level (Figure 2). Health facilities reported daily every cholera case by hard copy to the district and every Monday on weekly bases as well as on monthly bases. The national Division of Health Systems and Services Development (DSD) shares the data with the international partners In all this processes feedback was given at the various levels. The surveillance system detected and responded promptly to cases of watery diarrhea This was done by health workers and community base volunteers.
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