Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) cases in the Upper West Region have surged, with reported infections climbing from 42 to 60 and the death toll reaching 14.
Health officials are increasingly concerned as the outbreak worsens, citing issues such as misdiagnosis, delays in seeking care, and the high cost of treatment as key contributors to the rising fatality rate.
Regional health authorities are stepping up their response, considering measures such as providing free treatment to affected individuals and launching public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting early medical intervention. Health officials stress that swift diagnosis and treatment are essential in mitigating further deaths from the disease.
Dr Damien Punguyire, the Regional Health Director, attributed the increase in fatalities to initial misdiagnoses, with many cases mistakenly identified as malaria.
This has led to improper treatments, delaying the provision of appropriate care and leaving patients vulnerable to severe complications.
“By the time patients recognize that their condition is worsening, it is often too late for effective treatment,” Dr. Punguyire noted.
He urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as prolonged fever, neck pain, or body aches and advised that individuals diagnosed with malaria should return to healthcare facilities if their symptoms persist or worsen within 12 to 24 hours.
Preventive measures, including reducing overcrowding and increasing water intake to prevent throat dryness and bacterial entry, were also emphasised.
Dr. Punguyire assured that with timely intervention and proper care, CSM-related fatalities could be significantly reduced.
