At least 40 people have died from Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM). The disease, which is an acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord, has thus far infected over 400 in the country.
Ghana’s Upper East Region accounts for in excess of 250 of these cases. The most common symptoms of the illness are fever, headache, and neck stiffness. The Ghana Health Service added that the outbreak was caused by a “new strain of bacteria”, Neisseria meningitides serotype X.
While the Upper West Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, said that the death rate is currently 15.5%, this number is sure to rise. There is no vaccine for the disease, which has an average case fatality rate of 40%. Moreover, given that the country’s health system is largely focused on COVID-19, the death toll is likely to rise.
In fact, some have suggested that the government is neglecting treating other diseases and illnesses. For instance, the Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS claims that some of its members were not given the treatment required or requested at health facilities, who are instead preoccupied with COVID-19 cases.
Rapid Response Teams have been deployed at both regional and district levels to health facilities and communities to assist in case search and management. While there is no vaccine, treatment is available. In fact, Hafiz Bin said, “The primary contributory factor to the death that we have recorded in the region is because patients report late to our health facilities.”
He added, “They are not dying because there is no medicine. I can say without any contradiction that we have more than enough medicine to take care of CSM patients in the Upper West Region.” The World Health Organization (WHO), too, has sent 7500 vials of ceftriaxone, 1,100 infusions and five packs of pastorex. Additionally, various donors have sent a combined total of 540 vials of ceftriaxone.
The Regional Minister urged citizens to seek medical help as soon as they notice symptoms. He also dismissed suggestions that the country has been “distracted” by COVID-19, saying that Ghanaians must “do away with the politics of CSM”, which he argues will not “benefit any political party of individual in the region”.
Image Source: My Joy Online
At Least 40 Die From Cerebrospinal Meningitis in Ghana
The disease has an average case fatality rate of 40%.
April 22, 2020
