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A recent outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in the Upper West region has led to the deaths of four individuals, with a total of 18 reported cases since January 2024.
Dr. Collins Boateng Danquah, the Deputy Upper West Regional Director of Public Health, revealed this concerning development during a recent interview. He highlighted that five out of the 11 municipal/districts in the Upper West region have reported cases of the disease.
Among the affected areas, the Wa municipality recorded the highest incidence, with six cases, followed by the Nandom municipality and Wa West district, each reporting four cases. The Jirapa municipality reported three instances, while the Nadowli-Kaleo District reported one case, the lowest count so far.
Meningitis, characterized by a severe infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, poses a significant public health challenge globally. Dr. Danquah emphasized that bacterial meningitis contributes to the highest global burden of the disease.
He highlighted that children and the elderly, with weaker immune systems, are the most affected groups in the Upper West region.
To address the outbreak, the Ghana Health Service is actively conducting surveillance for early detection and treatment. Dr. Danquah urged the public to promptly report symptoms such as headache, fever, neck pains, high temperature, convulsions, and vomiting to the nearest health facility.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of adhering to safety measures, including handwashing and avoiding crowded spaces, to prevent further spread of the disease.
