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A deadly case of typhoid fever has hit the Oti Region of Ghana. Data from the Ghana Health Service in the Oti Region indicate that over 20,000 cases of typhoid fever were recorded in 2025. Prosper Addo, dean of Oti Regional MMDCEs, has described the situation as alarming. He has called on the Ghana Health Service to take measures to vaccinate people living in the region or risk recording higher numbers of cases in the coming months and years.
The region has recorded 19,983, 22,601, 34,906, 47,172, and 22,261 cases of typhoid in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively.
Typhoid Cases in Oti Region
A chart of year-on-year typhoid cases in the Oti Region. Image Source: DUBAWA
The Oti Region was created as one of the six new regions in December 2018 by the previous Nana Akufo-Addo administration. According to the 2021 population and housing census (PHC), it has nine districts with a population of just over 747,000 citizens and 173,294 households. The surge in typhoid cases has resulted in several deaths in the region.
Given the precarious situation, DUBAWA has decided to provide a situational analysis in Oti, explaining the causes and symptoms of typhoid, and offer tips on how to prevent the deadly disease.
What is Typhoid?
Typhoid is a life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi (S. Typhi). It can be contagious even if the individual does not feel sick. It is also known as enteric fever. Typhoid is often mentioned along with paratyphoid. Paratyphoid is similar to typhoid but with mild symptoms, and it is caused by Salmonella paratyphi (S. paratyphi). Typhoid typically infects the small intestines. Data from the World Health Organisation indicates that as of 2019, an estimated nine million people contracted typhoid and 110,000 people died from it annually.
Cause of Typhoid
The bacteria that cause Typhoid (S. typhi) usually spread through contaminated food or water. The ingested bacteria then multiply quickly and spread to the bloodstream. Typhoid spreads easily in communities lacking clean drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities. The S. typhi bacteria live only in humans. As a result, contact with an infected person can spread typhoid. Additionally, one can contract it by touching an item previously handled by an infected person without washing their hands properly.
Symptoms of Typhoid
As the name suggests, typhoid fever can exhibit symptoms of high fever that lasts for weeks if left untreated. Other symptoms may include:
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Chills
- Stomach pain
- Muscle ache
Oti Region’s Water and Sanitation Index
The 2021 population and housing census (PHC) reveals low access to critical amenities in the region. The region has 69.7% access to basic drinking water services, one of the weakest in Ghana. A significant 98.1% of households depend on unimproved surface water. Additionally, 40.2% of households practice open defecation, with 88.3% of them disposing of wastewater directly on the ground. This situation highlights a pervasive public health crisis and underscores a pressing need for infrastructural development in the area. Due to the lack of clean water and basic sanitation facilities, the region faces a high risk of waterborne and sanitation-related diseases.
Table indicating access to basic drinking water services by regions. Image Source: Ghana Statistical Service, 2021 Census Report.
Preventive measures and treatment
Typhoid is treated with different antibiotics depending on the type and location of the infection. In some cases, the antibiotics cannot destroy the S. Typhi, so it is recommended that people get vaccinated against typhoid.
To prevent typhoid entirely, avoiding drinking and eating substances that may be contaminated with the S. typhi at home and when travelling is key. Safe eating and drinking practices include:
- Washing your hands with soap before and after preparing food, and after using the washroom.
- If you’re unsure, opt for mostly well-cooked or packaged food.
- Avoid drinking untreated water or eating food that has been prepared with untreated water. If in doubt, drink bottled water and cook with the same.
- Avoid preparing food for others if you are infected with COVID-19.
- Avoid ice cubes unless you are sure they were made from treated or bottled water.
- Non-bottled water should be boiled for at least a minute before drinking or using it.
- If possible, avoid food from street vendors.
Conclusion
With the rapid spread of the disease, health experts across the region are demanding that all hands be on deck to solve or mitigate this issue.
