Josiah
A confirmed case of Meningitis has been reported in the country, specifically in the Greater Accra Region, according to an announcement by the Ghana Health Service on February 20, 2024.
Meningitis is described as an inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord. It is commonly caused by infections, including viruses, fungi, or bacteria. The statement emphasized that bacterial Meningitis, responsible for over 80 percent of cases, is caused by various bacteria pathogens, with Neisseria Meningitidis (NM), streptococcus pneumonia, and Haemophilus influenza type B being the primary culprits.
The Ghana Health Service issued guidelines for swift detection and management of Meningitis cases, urging heads of health facilities to implement clinician sensitization, infection prevention and control measures, health education on Meningitis, ensuring logistical readiness for diagnosis and case management, contact tracing, follow-up, chemoprophylaxis for contacts of confirmed cases, and vigilant monitoring of alert and epidemic thresholds to promptly address potential outbreaks. The complete statement from the Ghana Health Service is below.
