2 die of meningitis in Upper East Region

Two persons have died of Meningitis in the Upper East Region, the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Samuel K. Boakye-Boateng, has disclosed.

A total of 31 suspected cases were recorded between January 1 and March 2, 2025, out of which two cases were confirmed from the Talensi District and the Bolgatanga Municipality, resulting in two deaths.

Media engagement

Dr Boakye-Boateng, who disclosed this during a press briefing last Wednesday to provide updates on the state of meningitis and cholera situation in the region, said fortunately, the region had not recorded an outbreak of both diseases.

The essence of the encounter was to update the media on the measures undertaken by the health directorate to contain the spread of both diseases in the region.

Since the beginning of the year, the Upper West Region has recorded a total of 196 suspected cases with 34 confirmed cases and 17 deaths.

Similarly, since October 2024, a total of 6,405 suspected cholera cases have been reported in five regions, namely Ashanti, Greater-Accra, Eastern, Western and Central. Out of the suspected cases, 561 were confirmed with 49 deaths.

The regional director stated that the directorate, in collaboration with key stakeholders, had put in the necessary measures to safeguard the health and well-being of the residents in the region for the benefit of all.

Measures

He said all municipal and district health directorates had been put on high alert with intensified disease surveillance to detect and report cases early, adding that “all municipal and district rapid response teams have been activated to address any suspected cases”.

He mentioned that community engagement activities had been intensified to educate residents on symptoms, prevention and the importance of early treatment and further added that there was continuous health education in all health facilities across the region.

Additionally, Dr Boakye-Boateng said all hospitals in the region could do gram staining, while the Navrongo Health Research Centre (NHRC) was able to do the test for confirmation of all suspected cases.

Cholera

Owing to the outbreak of cholera in five regions since October 2024, he said the region activated emergency response mechanisms, including heightened disease surveillance and public education on cholera prevention.

To prevent the spread of the disease, he indicated that safe water provision, improved sanitation practices, as well as strengthening of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) were being promoted.

“We entreat people to drink potable water, eat hot foods and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them,” he said, stressing that “the GHS urges people experiencing symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting to immediately report to the nearest health facility for early case management to improve survival rate”.

Writer’s email: gilbert.agbey@graphic.com.gh