Cholera kills two after party, 15 went on admission

Accra May 2, GNA - Two people whose deaths were initially suspected to be through food poisoning after attending a party rather died of cholera and autopsy reports from the Ridge Hospital in Accra have revealed. Fifteen others, who also ate the same food served at the party, were on admission for between three days and five days at the Hospital. The deceased are Dorothy Owusu Doodo, 70 and Dominic Agbo 23. The Police told the GNA that on April 16, 2006, Madam Doris Charwey celebrated her 70th birthday at the Osu Presbyterian Church premises and served food including fried rice and chicken, salad, banku and tilapia and some drinks.

The deceased and the others, who were among the invitees, ate some of the food. Two days after the incident, the two were hospitalized at the Hospital but died shortly while the others were admitted at the same hospital.

After the death of the two, relatives of the deceased Mr Seth Gbekele and Isaac Kwapong at about 0945 on April 19 reported the matter to the Police.

When the GNA contacted Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr James Annor, Osu District Commander, he confirmed the story. Mr Annor explained that the autopsy conducted on Ms Doodo attributed the cause of death to severe dehydration and Cholera Gastroenteritis while Dominc died of acute gastroenteritis. He said the 15 victims have since been discharged from the Hospital.