Cerebrospinal meningitis strikes in Volta Region

Health officials in Volta Region have confirmed a first case of cerebrospinal meningitis, a disease common in the three regions of the north.

The Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health services has been deploying disease control officers to the Krachie West district where the case was recorded.

Disease surveillance is also being stepped up around the region, officials say.

Earlier reports from the region had suggested an outbreak of 7 new cases of pneumococcal meningitis which has so far claimed 33 lives in three regions – Brong Ahafo, Northern and Ashanti regions.

However, Regional Director of Ghana Health Services has dismissed the report saying it was not accurate.

“The conditions in Krachie are just like in the north [of the country]. So if in the north you normally have such cases around this time of the year, then it is not out of place to have a case like this in Krachie West”, he said.

He said the Ghana Health Service in the region has been on high alert since the outbreak of pneumococcal meningitis in the Northern Region.

“We just called back all the disease control officers in the district to move to this community where the case is suspected to have come from and then try to screen people for observation.

Cerebrospinal Meningitis (also known as Meningococcal Disease) is sometimes a fatal condition, especially in the many African countries.

Cerebro Spinal Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes of both the brain and spinal cord.

The inflammation of the brain and the spinal cord often results in a very serious infection and becomes an often fatal variety of meningitis caused by the meningococcus bacteria.

Anyone can get meningitis, but it is more common in people whose bodies have trouble fighting infections. Meningitis can progress rapidly. You should seek medical care quickly if you have:

- A sudden fever

- A severe headache

- A stiff neck

Early treatment can help prevent serious problems, including death.

Vaccines can prevent some of the bacterial infections that cause meningitis. Parents of adolescents and students living in college dorms should talk to a doctor about the vaccination.

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