By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Health and nutrition professionals are warning residents in flood-affected areas to be extra cautious about what they eat and drink, as the risk of waterborne and foodborne diseases such as cholera rises significantly in the aftermath of the June 29 flooding in Accra.
Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show on Wednesday, July 8, Registered Dietitian Nana Ama Dwamena warned that dehydration resulting from waterborne diseases such as cholera can be fatal if not treated quickly. She urged the public to take deliberate steps to protect themselves during the flood period.
According to her, one of the safest ways to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses during floods is to be selective about where and what food is purchased.
“Always buy hot, freshly cooked food during floods to reduce the risk of foodborne diseases,” she advised.
She explained that high cooking temperatures help kill harmful bacteria that may have come into contact with food during or after flooding.
Dwamena also cautioned against consuming ready-to-eat foods sold in open spaces during this period.
“I would not advise buying salad and fruits outside at this time because they are ready-to-eat foods and have not been treated,” she said.
She noted that raw vegetables and fruits washed with contaminated water or exposed to unhygienic environments can easily transmit diseases.
In addition to food safety, Dwamena advised residents to drink only treated or bottled water and avoid consuming sachet water that has come into contact with floodwaters.
She also encouraged regular handwashing with soap under running water and urged people to seek medical attention early if they experience symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration.
Public health officials say floods often disrupt sanitation systems, damage water pipes and create stagnant water that becomes a breeding ground for pathogens.
The combination of poor drainage, limited access to clean water and increased food vending in temporary locations further raises health risks.
