The Upper West Region has seen 17 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis, resulting in six confirmed deaths, as reported by Dr. Collins Boateng Danquah, the Deputy Director of Public Health.
He indicated that these cases are spread across six districts, with the highest incidence occurring in the Nadowli/Kaleo District and Nandom Municipality.
Cerebrospinal meningitis, a severe illness common in the meningitis belt—including the Upper West, Upper East, and Northern regions of Ghana—typically begins in October and can lead to multiple fatalities during this time.
In an interview with Channel One News, Dr. Danquah emphasized the need for the public to stay in well-ventilated spaces and to seek medical assistance promptly if they experience symptoms like headaches or fever. He mentioned that the specific strain responsible for the current cases has not yet been identified and stated that a mass vaccination campaign is unlikely, as the situation does not qualify as an outbreak.
According to Dr. Danquah, the Upper West Region has documented 17 suspected cases across six of its 11 districts, with seven cases confirmed and six fatalities, primarily affecting the Nadowli/Kaleo District and Nandom Municipality. He urged the community to adopt preventive measures, such as avoiding overcrowded places, ensuring proper ventilation in homes, and staying hydrated for overall health. He reiterated the importance of early medical intervention if symptoms such as headaches, fever, or neck pain arise, while assuring that the region is prepared to manage the spread of the disease.
Some residents expressed surprise over the reported meningitis cases, pointing out that the illness usually manifests during the hotter months beginning in March. They called on the Ghana Health Service to enhance public awareness initiatives regarding the disease and its prevention.
Modernghana
