Ghana steps up efforts to combat meningitis as 32 dead

Ghana has stepped up campaign and community-based surveillance in areas affected by pneumococcal meningitis, a senior health official said on Monday.

The measures are aimed at curtailing the spread of the disease as the death toll from the disease in some parts of the country keeps rising.

Deputy Minister of Health Victor Bampoe said the government had set aside 150,000 cedis to fight against the disease, which has so far killed 32 people and infected 150 others.

He hoped the amount and training given to the various health officials in the country would help halt further spread of the infection, adding that the ministry had put in place necessary measures to ensure that the disease does not get out of hand.

He also called on patients to report early to the hospital for prompt treatment.

Meningitis is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by different bacteria, the commonest of which are pneumococcal, neisseria and haemophile influenza type B.

It is an inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, and usually occurs during the dry season, with symptoms such fever, body aches, headaches, loss of appetite and stiffness in the neck.

Ghana recorded 1,000 deaths from meningitis between 1994 and 1996, with 17,000 people being affected. Enditem