Credit: Kekeli K. Blamey
The meningitis outbreak in the Upper West Region of Ghana has taken a turn for the worse, with 173 confirmed cases and 16 deaths reported as of the latest situational report.
According to health authorities, the outbreak is spreading rapidly, 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, which have all exceeded their alert thresholds.
Streptococcus pneumoniae has been identified as the dominant strain, alongside Neisseria meningitis and Haemophilus influenzae. The hardest-hit age group is 11 to 20 years, accounting for 43.8% of the fatalities.
In response to the outbreak, health authorities have intensified surveillance, sharing daily and weekly situational updates with national agencies. A total of 221 personnel, including clinicians, surveillance officers, laboratory staff, and health promotion officers, have been trained to manage the outbreak.
Hospitals and polyclinics across the region are conducting gram staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to confirm cases. Ceftriaxone has been stocked in hospitals for immediate antibiotic treatment, and peripheral health facilities have been advised to refer severe cases to higher-level hospitals.
The Ghana Health Service has reiterated that meningitis treatment remains free, per the directive of its Director-General.
However, despite these efforts, challenges persist, including delayed healthcare-seeking behavior, co-infections with malaria, and a shortage of vaccines.
The outbreak has sparked concerns among residents, with many calling for increased awareness and education on the disease. Health authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, seek medical attention promptly, and report any suspected cases.
The situation is being closely monitored by national and international health authorities, with support being provided to contain the outbreak.
