The Upper West Region has recorded a total of 15 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), with four laboratory-confirmed cases and two deaths, between Week 1 and Week 5 of 2026.
According to the Upper West Regional Health Directorate, the suspected cases were reported in six districts. Nadowli-Kaleo District recorded the highest number with seven suspected cases, followed by Wa Municipal with three cases.
Sissala East District recorded two suspected cases, while Jirapa, Wa East and Wa West districts recorded one case each.
Four cases confirmed
Addressing the media in Wa last Tuesday, the Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Josephat A. Nyuzaghl, said four of the suspected cases had been confirmed through laboratory investigations.
He explained that the four confirmed cases were recorded in Jirapa and Nadowli districts, with the two districts recording a death each.
Surveillance intensified
Dr Nyuzaghl stated that health surveillance had been intensified in all affected districts, while treatment of patients was ongoing.
He added that public health education, especially in meningitis-prone areas, had been intensified to encourage early symptom reporting.
The Regional Health Director advised residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experienced symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, severe headache, vomiting and sensitivity to light.
The Regional Health Director also advised the public to steer clear of crowded areas, ensure good ventilation at home, and seek medical help early to minimise risks.
Challenges
Dr Nyuzaghl said the region faced several challenges in the management of meningitis cases, including poor healthcare-seeking behaviour, leading to delayed case detection, co-infection with malaria, which sometimes masked early diagnosis, late referral of cases from peripheral health facilities, and high public demand for vaccines despite the absence of vaccines for reactive campaigns.
Reflecting on the previous season, Dr Nyuzaghl revealed that the region recorded 269 suspected meningitis cases in 2025, out of which 36 were confirmed, with 18 deaths.
He noted that most of the cases last year were concentrated in the Nadowli and Nandom districts.
Media support
He explained that the meningitis season usually begins around late October and ends in April, stressing that although outbreaks were unpredictable, early detection, preparedness and prompt treatment were crucial in reducing deaths.
Dr Nyuzaghl called on the media to support the Regional Health Directorate by helping to communicate risks and preventive measures to residents across the region.
He said even though the region is on high alert, the meningitis situation for the 2025–2026 season is currently calm, and assured the public of the directorate’s readiness to respond swiftly to any potential outbreak.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh