Ninety-three people have died so far from the outbreak of Meningitis, with 548 suspected cases in all nine affected regions in the country.
This was revealed by the Ghana Health Service on Monday, February 15, 2016 at a press conference.
According to the Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Appiah Denkyira, “There have been increased reports of meningitis due to streptococcus pneumonia. As at February 13 2016, cumulatively, 548 suspected meningitis cases including 93 deaths have been reported across the country so the death rate is now 16.9%.”
He added that Central region is currently the only region which remains unaffected, while Brong Ahafo is still reporting cases.
“As at February 10, Ashanti Region has recorded 18 cases with 8 deaths. Brong Ahafo, 359 cases with 52 deaths, Greater Accra, 5 cases with 2 deaths, Eastern region has recorded 4 cases 3 deaths, Western region, 2 cases one death, Volta region, 7 cases one death, Northern region, 52 cases with 15 deaths, Upper East, 47 cases 2 deaths and Upper West recorded 44 cases with 9 deaths,” Dr. Denkyira added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Badu Sarkodie, Director, Public Health Division of the Ghana Health Service had earlier told Pulse.com.gh that his outfit is monitoring closely to ensure that areas that went to the epidemic threshold come down.
“We are doing intensive public education in all the communities, the regions, and the districts. The people have to report early…We have put mechanisms for early detection. We are having education with gender population to prevent the risk factors,” he added.
The disease which began in Tain in the Brong Ahafo region in December 2015, spread to other areas including the Brong Ahafo, Northern, Ashanti, Eastern, Volta, Greater Accra, Upper West, Upper East and Western regions.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meninges). Causes include bacterial, viral, parasites and even chemical.
