The cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) outbreak in Ghana’s Upper West Region has intensified, with 173 cases and 16 deaths reported.
Health authorities are working to control the spread of the disease, with four new confirmed cases and 38 suspected cases recorded in the past week.
The most affected districts are Jirapa, Nandom, Wa Municipal, and Wa West, all of which have surpassed alert thresholds.
Streptococcus pneumoniae has been identified as the dominant strain, alongside Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae. The 11-20 age group has been hit hardest, accounting for 43.8% of deaths.
Health authorities have increased surveillance, trained 221 personnel, and stocked hospitals with antibiotics. Gram staining and PCR tests are being conducted, with 29 positive cases confirmed from 150 cerebrospinal fluid samples.
Peripheral health facilities have been advised to refer severe cases and administer antibiotics before transfer.
Community engagement has been ramped up through radio discussions and public health education, with the Ghana Health Service reiterating that meningitis treatment is free.
Challenges persist, including delayed healthcare-seeking behavior, co-infections with malaria complicating diagnosis, and limited vaccine availability hindering reactive vaccination campaigns.
