A total of 18 cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) have been reported in the Upper West Region from January to February 2024, resulting in four deaths. Dr. Collins Boateng Danquah, the Deputy Upper West Regional Health Director in charge of Public Health, provided these statistics to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during an interview in Wa.
The breakdown of confirmed cases is as follows: Wa Municipal recorded six cases, Wa West District four cases, Nandom Municipality four cases, Jirapa Municipality three cases, and Nadowli-Kaleo District one confirmed case.
Dr. Danquah expressed concern over the current situation, emphasizing that the region has not yet reached the peak of the hot season, which typically occurs in the months of March and April. He stressed the importance of taking precautionary measures against CSM, given the already high number of cases and deaths.
The outbreak of CSM is linked to excessive heat and dust contaminated with CSM pathogens. Dr Danquah advised the public to adhere strictly to preventive measures, including sleeping in well-ventilated rooms, avoiding overcrowding, staying indoors during hot weather, wearing nose masks in dusty areas, and increasing water intake.
He highlighted that children and elderly individuals above 60 years old are most vulnerable to CSM due to weaker immune systems. Therefore, limiting outdoor activities for these groups is crucial to prevent the disease.
Dr. Danquah reassured the public that the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is conducting surveillance for early detection of suspected cases, testing, and treatment. He urged individuals experiencing symptoms of CSM, such as fever, headache, neck stiffness, convulsions, and vomiting, to promptly report to health facilities for testing and treatment.