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The Upper West Region has recorded five deaths and seven confirmed cases out of 34 suspected Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) cases as of epidemiological week seven, health authorities have confirmed.
The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, disclosed this during a working visit to assess the meningitis situation in the region on Friday, February 20, 2026.
According to him, although the number of suspected cases this year is lower compared to the same period in 2025, the fatality rate has increased. Data from last year after week seven showed 134 suspected cases and 16 deaths. This year’s figures represent a significant drop in suspected infections.
However, the case fatality rate has risen to 14 percent this year, compared to 7 percent during the same period last year. Health officials say this suggests either more severe cases or delays in seeking medical care.
Dr. Akoriyea noted that Upper West currently records the highest number of deaths among the affected regions. He attributed part of the challenge to delayed reporting to health facilities.
“It seems to be the same trend: people delay coming to the health facilities,” he stated.
He urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent headache, fever, neck stiffness, or other known signs of meningitis.
He assured the public that treatment is readily available. “Once it is meningitis, they will be treated. The antibiotics are here. Everything is ready. The health centres are ready,” he said.
Dr. Akoriyea also advised residents to stay hydrated due to the extreme heat conditions, emphasising that adequate water intake is crucial during the peak meningitis season.
