The Korle Bu Polyclinic in Accra  is overwhelmed with with cholera patients and will need about three days to decongest, according to the hospital.

In a statement signed by  its Assistant Public Relations Officer, Gladys Ansong, the hospital stated that “over 923 cases of cholera had been reported at the polyclinic, resulting in the deaths of nine patients.”

According  to the statement, the polyclinic’s Out Patient Department (OPD) had been turned into “a makeshift clinical bay” due to the growing number of cases reported at the hospital.

“Some cholera patients are therefore receiving treatment on benches, chairs, wheelchairs and any available spot,” the statement read.

The statement from the hospital warned the general public to “observe and undertake hygienic practices to ensure that they do not get infected with cholera” while it undertook steps to decongest the Polyclinic.

Individuals were also advised to report at the nearest health facility should they display any symptoms of the infection.

The number of cholera cases in the Greater Accra Region has increased from 3,600 to 5,000 with 45 deaths since July this year according to the Regional Health Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Linda Van Otoo on Tuesday.

Cases of cholera have so far been recorded in some parts of the Central Region and and the Greater Accra Region, with the capital Accra being the worst affected.

Click here for full statement from Korle Bu