The Upper West Region has recorded five deaths and seven confirmed cases out of 34 suspected meningitis cases after week seven of the meningitis outbreak.
The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, disclosed this during a working tour to assess the Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) situation in the Upper West Region on Friday, February 20, 2026.
A comparison with the same period last year, after epidemiological week seven, shows that the region recorded 134 suspected cases and 16 deaths, indicating a reduction in suspected infections this year.
However, the case fatality rate has increased to 14% this year, compared to 7% during the same period last year.
While the overall number of suspected cases has declined, the proportion of deaths relative to cases is higher this year, suggesting greater severity or delays in reporting and treatment.
According to Dr. Akoriyea, Upper West currently records the highest number of deaths among the affected regions. “When you look at the statistics, Upper West is the one with more deaths,” he stated.
He explained that a comparative review of last year’s data and this year’s figures shows a recurring pattern of delayed reporting to health facilities.
“It seems to be the same trend: people delay coming to the health facilities,” he said.
Dr. Akoriyea urged residents to report promptly to the nearest health facility when they experience symptoms such as persistent headache, fever, neck stiffness, or other known signs of meningitis.
“Once it is meningitis, they will be treated. The antibiotics are here. Everything is ready. The health centres are ready,” he assured.
He further encouraged residents to stay hydrated due to the extreme heat conditions, noting that adequate water intake is essential during the peak meningitis season.
