GHS warns of meningitis spread southwards

Accra, Nov. 28, GNA - The Ghana Health Service is warning that cerebro spinal meningitis (CSM), a medical condition caused by inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, is spreading from the north where it is prevalent to the rest of the country. Dr. Elias Sory, Director General of the Ghana Health Service, noted in a statement in Accra on Friday that meningitis outbreaks had been limited to the three northern regions and parts of Brong Ahafo for years.

"The disease is, however, threatening to spread to the rest of the country," Dr Sory warned. He said classical signs and symptoms of the disease in adults included headache, fever, neck pains or stiffness and sometimes rashes. "Patients can easily go unconscious within a day or two," Dr Sory warned.

In children, the symptoms include fever, irritability and crying and sometimes convulsions.

Dr Sory said the disease could be prevented through the avoidance of overcrowding and by sleeping in well ventilated rooms. He said meningitis could be treated with vaccines provided people reported early to health facilities. Dr Sory reiterated that early reporting was critical for the survival of patients. 28 Nov. 08