The Upper West Region has recorded 17 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), resulting in six deaths.
This disturbing development was revealed by the Deputy Director of Public Health in the region, Dr. Collins Boateng Danquah.
The cases were confirmed in 11 districts of the region, with Nadowli/Kaleo District and Nandom Municipality bearing the highest toll.
Dr. Danquah, speaking in an interview, monitored by The Ghana Report on Channel One News, urged residents to take preventive measures, such as staying in well-ventilated spaces, avoiding overcrowded areas, and seeking prompt medical care if symptoms like headaches, fever, and neck pain arise.
He emphasised that early treatment is key to reducing fatalities.
While the specific strain of meningitis causing the cases is yet to be identified, Dr. Danquah noted that a mass vaccination campaign is not being considered, as the situation does not meet the criteria for an outbreak.
He reassured the public that the region’s health authorities are equipped to manage the situation.
Meanwhile, residents have called on the Ghana Health Service to increase public awareness campaigns to educate the population on the prevention and early detection of the disease.
Cerebrospinal meningitis, a deadly disease common in Ghana’s meningitis belt, typically peaks between October and March, affecting the Upper West, Upper East, and Northern regions. The disease can claim multiple lives during its active period.
In March 2024, over eight people died of meningitis in the same region.
The first four death cases were recorded in February 2024.
Earlier, the Upper West regional health directorate reported 124 suspected cases of meningitis, with 34 being officially confirmed.
Dr. Collins Boateng Danquah, the Deputy Director of Health in charge of Public Health in the Upper West, stressed the importance of early reporting and public sensitisation efforts to combat the outbreak.
He also commended the Ghana Health Service (GHS) for providing essential logistics that help in the identification and confirmation of suspected cases.