Two people have reportedly died of Cerebrospinal Meningitis at the Upper East Regional Hospital.
These two deaths are out of a total of 5 cases so far recorded in the region with efforts currently underway to establish the particular strain of Meningitis that killed the two individuals.
All two deaths that occurred are from the Bolgatanga Municipality. At the same time, the other three cases that are still being managed have one coming from the Bolga East District, another from the Bawku West District, and one from the Bolgatanga Municipality.
Meningitis is inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by infection. It can be fatal and requires immediate medical care. Several species of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can cause meningitis. Most infections can be transmitted from person to person. Injuries, cancers, and drugs cause a small number of cases.
Bacterial meningitis is the most common and dangerous type of meningitis and can be fatal within 24 hours and can affect people of any age bracket.
Speaking to Dreamz News on the sidelines of the Bolgatanga Municipal Health Directorate’s 2024 annual Health Review Meeting held Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the Bolgatanga Municipal Director of the Ghana Health Service, Stephen Bordotsiah, explained that the two deaths from the Municipality occurred at the regional hospital over the weekend.
He is worried about how self-medication and delayed reporting to health facilities can lead to fatalities.
“We have recorded about five cases at the hospital with two deaths. We cannot say for certain the strain of Meningitis. That is being checked at the Navrongo Research Center so samples have been taken and we are waiting for the results. One of the cases is from Bolga East, the other is from Bawku West that was referred to the regional hospital and the other is within the town.” He narrated.
Mr. Bordotsiah further appealed to the public to take more fluids and avoid overcrowded areas.
“The heat season has just set in so we should avoid overcrowded places. The earlier you get to the facility the higher your chances of survival.” He cautioned.
