B/A records 80 cases of Pneumococcal Meningitis

Four municipalities and four districts in the Brong-Ahafo Region have recorded in less than a month 80 cases of Pneumococcal Meningitis outbreak with 21 deaths.

Dr Osei Kuffour Afreh, Deputy Regional Director in charge of public health who disclosed at a media briefing on Tuesday in Sunyani stated that 14 of the deaths were males and seven females.

He said 43 out of the affected people were females and 37 males.

Dr Afreh said the affected areas are Techiman South, Kintampo North, Wenchi and Sunyani municipalities as well as Kintampo South, Sene West, Techiman North and Tain districts.

He said Tain, which was the first area to record the outbreak currently has 31 cases with nine deaths and Sunyani with the latest report also has one fatality.

Dr Afreh said the current fatality rate is 26.3 per cent and even though there is no vaccine to control the disease, the Ghana Health Service is managing the situation with adequate kits and antibiotics.

He urged the public to avoid self medication and seek for early treatment at any available health facility.

Dr Afreh cited high temperature, fever, headache of sudden onset, neck stiffness, unconsciousness and photo phobia as some of the major symptoms of the disease.

He said the disease is air-borne and could affect and kill a group of people within the shortest time.

He explained that its consequences could be prevented if it is detected and reported early to a health facility.

Dr Afreh observed that among those who lost their lives, some were brought in a very bad condition while some were in a state of unconsciousness.

He said overcrowding, sneezing and coughing has been the only mode of the spread of the disease and therefore advised the public to cover their mouth when coughing and sneezing and also ensure enough ventilation by opening doors and windows at all times if possible, especially when sleeping.

Dr Afreh said the Disease Management Committee is on the ground with strategising to bring the situation under control.