Brain and spinal cord cases on the rise, 60 infections with 14 deaths

Cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) cases are rising in the Upper West Region, with infections increasing from 42 to 60 and fatalities reaching 14.

Health officials are alarmed, citing misdiagnoses, delayed treatment, and high medical costs as major contributors to the growing death toll.

In response, authorities are ramping up efforts to contain the outbreak, emphasising early medical intervention and considering free treatment for affected patients.

Regional Health Director, Dr. Damien Punguyire, attributes the increasing fatalities to misdiagnoses and delays in seeking proper treatment.

He explains that many cases are initially mistaken for malaria, leading to improper treatments.

Dr. Punguyire stated that, it is often too late when patients realise their condition is deteriorating.

He therefore stressed the importance of early intervention and advises individuals diagnosed with malaria to seek further medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen within 12 to 24 hours.

“For the numbers increasing, we are not too worried about the numbers, but what we are worried about is the number of deaths. Because like I mentioned, this is a germ that is living in our bodies, in our nose, in our throats and so on. And in normal circumstances, it won’t cause you diseases but when the conditions become unfavourable, that is the condition that has fertile grounds for the germ to now sip into your body and start manifesting meningitis.

“So what we can do is to avoid overcrowding, drink a lot of water so that your throats will remain wet and not cracked and above all, when you are feeling unwell with fever or your body is hot or neck pain, you visit the nearest health facility and then they will investigate and treat you. With that, nobody should die.”

Meanwhile the first Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, has instructed the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to take urgent measures to contain the outbreak of the CSM cases.

“This calls for urgent, enhanced disease control measures. Mr Speaker, I appeal to the government, the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, and other stakeholders to mobilize technical, financial, and logistical support immediately to help control and prevent the outbreak,” said MP for Daffiama Bussie Issa, Dr. Sebastian Sandare who made a strong case during proceedings on Thursday (6 February).

Dr. Sandare underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration in controlling the spread and advocated for the creation of a Public Health Emergency Fund to secure long-term financing for ongoing and future outbreaks.

Adding to the discussion, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh condemned the health authorities for their delayed response.

“We can’t always place the blame on politicians. Public health officials, who are paid with taxpayers’ money, must be held accountable,” he stated.

“There must be clarity on this matter. Is it a case of vaccine unavailability? Did the health authorities fail to anticipate this outbreak? Are they neglecting their duties? The Ghana Health Service must come forward and provide explanations,” he insisted.

“We cannot allow such a preventable illness to claim lives. The Ghana Health Service must act swiftly to assist the vulnerable people in the Upper West Region before the situation spirals out of control”, he stated.

In response, the First Deputy Speaker, presiding in the absence of the Speaker, instructed the Ministry of Health to take immediate action.

“The Ministry of Health must raise awareness, conduct contact tracing, enhance medical care for affected individuals, and explore the establishment of a Public Health Emergency Fund to manage outbreaks. This must be done without delay,” he directed.