Epidemiological trends and risk factors of cholera outbreaks in Ghana, 2024–2025: A One Health perspective
Authors: Amoah Gideon, Kannan Subbaram, and Phelipe Magalhães Duarte
Ger. J. Microbiol.
2026.
vol. 6, Iss. 3
pp:46-58
Doi: https://doi.org/10.51585/gjm.2026.3.0069
Abstract:
Cholera continues to pose a significant public health threat in Ghana, with recurrent outbreaks resulting from complex interactions among environmental, socioeconomic, and health system determinants. The present study analyzes epidemiological trends and underlying risk factors associated with cholera outbreaks in Ghana from 2024 to 2025, applying a One Health perspective. A retrospective descriptive study design was implemented, drawing on secondary data from the World Health Organization, Ghana Health Service, and published literature. Descriptive statistical analyses assessed temporal and spatial patterns of cholera cases and deaths. Between October 2024 and February 2025, 6,145 suspected cases, 719 confirmed cases, and 49 deaths were reported. The outbreak originated in the Greater Accra Region and subsequently expanded to four additional regions, demonstrating progressive geographic spread. Temporal analysis indicated a steady increase in cases during the study period, while the case fatality rate declined from 1.08% to 0.80%, reflecting potential improvements in case management. Spatial analysis revealed clustering in densely populated and coastal areas, highlighting the impact of urbanization and environmental exposure. Key risk factors identified were inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, rapid urbanization, climatic variability, environmental contamination, and limited health system capacity. These findings emphasize the importance of environmental reservoirs and ecological interactions in sustaining Vibrio cholerae transmission. Cholera outbreaks in Ghana are driven by interconnected human, environmental, and microbial factors. Addressing these challenges requires interventions within a One Health framework, as well as enhanced surveillance systems, the use of AI, and proactive prevention strategies to mitigate the impact of future outbreaks.
Keywords:
Cholera, Ghana, One Health, Epidemiology, Risk factors, WASH
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