The Ashanti Region documented 42 meningitis cases in 2024, marking a 133% surge from the 18 cases reported the previous year. One individual lost their life due to this sharp increase, highlighting a worrying public health concern. The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate stated that the disease spreads through close contact, particularly via respiratory droplets, with carrier rates reaching up to 50% during outbreaks.

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Meningitis remains a critical and life-threatening illness in Ghana, with the northern regions experiencing it as an ongoing health challenge. The Upper West Region experienced an outbreak in 2024, resulting in 10 fatalities out of 42 reported cases. With a fatality rate of about 23.81%, the outbreak in the Upper West Region proved deadlier than that of the Ashanti Region in the same year.

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Although the severity of meningitis varies, the number of cases in the Ashanti Region continues to increase. Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, shed light on the environmental and demographic factors contributing to the disease.

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“It is very difficult if not impossible to tell which of these agents of meningitis unless it is confirmed by the labs, because usually the presentations, that is the signs and symptoms are similar if not the same. Carrier rates may be as high as 25% during endemic periods and as high as 50% during epidemics. Incubation Period: This varies from 2 to 10 days, an average of 3-4 days.

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“Meningitis, primarily caused by Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and Neisseria meningitides, grows at the vulnerability of risk factors when not properly managed. The combination of conditions (environment, host and organism) is necessary for an epidemic to occur.

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Immunological susceptibility of the population (loss of herd immunity to the prevalent strain); Special climatic conditions (low humidity, dry season, dusty storm). If not treated quickly, the disease can be deadly, making medical care and personal precautions very important. To help control the disease, the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has started an awareness campaign that promotes vaccination and good hygiene. Dr.

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Adomako-Boateng is calling on districts and hospitals to step up their monitoring efforts in addition to following basic health guidelines. He advises health workers to check for other possible causes of fever when malaria tests come back negative, especially during seasons when cases are high. “Districts and hospitals are urged to intensify surveillance.

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If a malaria test or test for the fever for malaria is negative, please look for a different cause of the fever especially in the season especially for early confirmation,” he said. The public is encouraged to practice good hygiene, wear masks, and avoid crowded places to reduce the spread of the disease.

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“For standard precaution, public should observe hygiene with soap and running water, or sanitizers, use of mask when you have cold or flu, cough into the elbow, If possible, stay in the house to avoid overcrowding, adequately hydrate and report early when you have any the signs and symptoms,” said Dr. Adomako-Boateng.

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