Joy News has learnt the Ministry of Health is working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to contain the deadly Pneumococcal Meningitis that has claimed 32 lives since it struck earlier this month.

 Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee, Joseph Yileh-Chireh, had called on government to urgently seek assistance from WHO to prevent further spread of the disease.

The outbreak has so far killed 32 people out of the 142 reported cases in the Brong Ahafo Region, Northern Region, and recently the Ashanti Region.

Deputy Health Minister, Dr. Victor Bampoe, however told Joy News the situation is under control despite the increasing number of reported cases and deaths.

 

Meningitis is caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges.

The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis may develop in response to a number of causes, usually bacteria or viruses, but meningitis can also be caused by physical injury, cancer or certain drugs.

The severity of illness and the treatment for meningitis differ depending on the cause.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has received over 2,000 vials of antibiotics from a pharmaceutical company, Pharma Nova to help fight the outbreak.