Residents of Avetakpo, a small community in the Ho West District, are urgently calling on health authorities to step in following the rapid spread of a strange skin condition affecting both children and adults.

Nearly 30 people—out of a population of just over 200—have so far been affected by the outbreak, which has left residents alarmed and increasingly frustrated over the slow response from health officials.

Although medical personnel visited the community last week to assess the situation, locals say there has been no follow-up, leaving them feeling abandoned in the face of a potentially escalating health crisis.

“This is serious,” one resident told Citi News. “We don’t know what it is or how it spreads, but more people keep getting it every day. If nothing is done soon, the entire community could be affected.”

Parents are particularly worried as young children, including toddlers, are among those infected. Many have voiced concerns about the long-term effects of the condition, which has been described as starting with intense itching, followed by a rash.

Rebecca Dawudu, one of the affected residents, shared her experience:
“It began a few weeks ago with itching, so I went to the hospital in Akrade. It got a bit better, but then the symptoms returned, and now I have rashes on my hands and legs. I told the headman, and soon after, some of the children started developing the same rashes.”

The community headman, Prosper Zateh, confirmed the outbreak and joined residents in appealing for immediate medical intervention. He stressed that without quick action, the situation could worsen and become even harder to contain.

With anxiety growing and no clear answers from health officials, the people of Avetakpo are left hoping that authorities will respond swiftly before the outbreak spirals out of control.