Meningitis kills 22 in Ghana

AT least 22 persons have been confirmed dead from bacterial meningitis in Ghana, following an outbreak that has lasted three months in the former Gold Coast country.The deaths were recorded in the northern Bole district and central Ghana. The pneumococcal (Meningococcal)  form of meningitis  occurs when bacteria invade the bloodstream and infect the membranes protecting the brain and the spinal cord (the meninges).

Although the outbreak has been contained experts warn that it remains highly contagious. Strict surveillance measures are being enforced. In the Bole district of Ghana’s northern region, health authorities are establishing measures to ensure reported cases are contained.

The dry season, with strong dusty winds and cold nights make people more prone to respiratory problems. The disease mainly affects children and young adults aged 1-30.

Transmission is airborne so infected persons can transmit it to others through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions, especially sneezing and coughing and inhalation. Early diagnosis is an important step of ensuring treatment and preventing the disease from spreading.

Symptoms include stiff neck, high fever, headaches, vomiting and sometimes seizures. Even when the disease is diagnosed early and adequate therapy instituted, 5-10 percent of patients die, typically within 24-48 hours of onset of symptoms, according to WHO. Most victims suffer irreversible neurological consequences.

The largest recorded outbreak of epidemic meningitis was recorded in Africa in 1996, with over 250,000 cases and 25,000 deaths registered. 

The current WHO recommendation for outbreak control is to mass vaccinate every district that is in an epidemic phase, as well as those contiguous districts that are in alert phase. It is estimated that a mass immunization campaign, promptly implemented, can avoid 70 per cent of cases.