The Upper West Region is facing a worsening outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), with confirmed cases rising to 173 and the death toll reaching 16. Health officials are intensifying efforts to contain the spread as new infections continue to emerge.

According to the latest situational report from the Upper West Regional Health Directorate, four new confirmed cases and 38 suspected cases were recorded in the past week. The most affected districts—Jirapa, Nandom, Wa Municipal, and Wa West—have all surpassed their alert thresholds. Laboratory analysis has identified Streptococcus pneumoniae as the dominant strain, alongside Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae.

Data from health authorities indicate that individuals aged 11 to 20 years are the hardest hit, accounting for 43.8% of fatalities.

In response, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has ramped up surveillance and case management. Key interventions include:

• Training of 221 health personnel, including clinicians, surveillance officers, and laboratory staff.
• Conducting gram staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which have confirmed 29 positive cases out of 150 cerebrospinal fluid samples tested.
• Stocking hospitals with ceftriaxone for immediate antibiotic treatment.
• Advising peripheral health facilities to administer IV ceftriaxone to suspected cases before referring them to larger hospitals.

Public health education campaigns have also been intensified, with authorities using radio discussions and community engagement to encourage early symptom reporting. The Ghana Health Service has reassured residents that meningitis treatment remains free under government policy.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Many patients delay seeking medical attention, leading to late detection and poor outcomes. Additionally, co-infections with malaria have made early diagnosis more difficult. The demand for vaccines has also surged, but limited supply has hindered mass vaccination efforts.

Health authorities are urging the public to report symptoms such as fever, severe headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light early to improve survival rates.