The Upper East Regional Health Directorate (UERHD) of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has recorded one confirmed case of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM).

The Directorate recorded a total of 24 suspected cases of CSM during the current meningitis season, which spans from October to April.

Dr Adam Zakariah, the Acting Deputy Director of Public Health (DDPH), disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, stating that of the total suspected cases, 20 tested negative while three remained under laboratory investigation.

“We have not recorded any deaths this meningitis season, and we pray that we do not record any,” Dr Zakariah, who also serves as the Upper East Regional Chairman of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) said.

He explained that meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

“When an infection affects that part of the brain and the spine, we call it cerebrospinal meningitis,” he added.

Reviewing the history of suspected cases in the region, Dr Zakariah noted that 16 cases were recorded in 2023, resulting in five confirmations and two deaths, while in 2024, 31 suspected cases were recorded, with four confirmed and three deaths.

He said by 2025, the suspected cases increased to 91, with five confirmed and three deaths.

On the prevention of meningitis, he urged residents to avoid overcrowded spaces and maintain high fluid intake to stay hydrated and furthermore emphasized the importance of proper ventilation in homes and public areas to reduce the risk of transmission.

Dr Zakariah stressed the importance of the public reporting to the nearest health facility immediately they feel unwell, rather than patronizing over-the-counter medicines.

“During this meningitis season, we plead with the populace to visit healthcare facilities for proper examination, laboratory investigations, and prescribed medications,” he said.

Addressing complaints regarding delays at healthcare facilities, particularly the Regional Hospital, Dr Zakariah said, “You are better off being delayed and receiving the necessary attention and quality care than being seen quickly only for your body to be picked up elsewhere.”

He noted that meningitis was a serious disease that could not be treated at home and further indicated that healthcare professionals across the region are well-trained and equipped with the requisite skills, medicines, and reagents to diagnose and treat the illness.

The Acting DDPH urged residents including parents of children exhibiting a sudden onset of fever, headaches, neck stiffness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or vomiting to rush to the nearest health facility.

He emphasized that Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Director-General of the GHS, noted during a recent visit that meningitis treatment was free of charge, and residents should not be deterred from seeking care.

“One of the primary goals of the Director-General is for the Upper East to record zero meningitis deaths. We are all working together and calling on the populace to adhere to these recommendations so that we can all remain healthy during this season,” he said.