Dr. Collins Boateng Danquah, Deputy Director of Public Health, reports that there have been 17 suspected instances of cerebrospinal meningitis in the Upper West Region, with six confirmed deaths.
He said that there were cases in six areas, with Nandom Municipality and Nadowli/Kaleo District having the most.
In Ghana’s meningitis belt, which includes the Upper West, Upper East, and Northern areas, cerebrospinal meningitis is a deadly illness that is frequently encountered. Usually starting in October, the illness takes a number of lives during this time.
Dr. Danquah advised the people to stay in well-ventilated areas and to get medical help right away if they have symptoms like fever or headaches, in an interview with Channel One News.
He pointed out that the strain responsible for the illnesses has not been found, and as the circumstances do not fit the definition of an outbreak, a widespread vaccination campaign is not expected.
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In six of its eleven districts, the Upper West Region has reported 17 suspected cases, according to the Deputy Director of Public Health. Six people have died as a result of the seven confirmed cases, mostly in the Nandom Municipality and Nadowli/Kaleo District.
“Dr. Danquah advised the public to take preventive measures, such as avoiding overcrowded areas, ensuring proper ventilation in living spaces, and staying hydrated to maintain healthy skin. He emphasized the importance of seeking early medical care if symptoms like headaches, fever, and neck pain occur. He further assured the public that the region is well-prepared to contain the disease’s spread.”
Some residents of the Upper West Region expressed surprise at the reported cases of cerebrospinal meningitis, noting that the disease typically occurs during the hotter months starting in March. They called on the Ghana Health Service to intensify public sensitization efforts to raise awareness about the disease and its prevention
