Upper East Region on high alert as meningitis kills two, 31 cases under investigation

Health authorities in the Upper East Region have intensified surveillance and public health measures following the deaths of two people from meningitis.

At a press briefing, the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Samuel Boakye Boateng, assured residents that all necessary steps have been taken to safeguard public health.

Dr. Boakye disclosed that the health directorate is currently investigating 31 suspected cases of meningitis recorded between January and March. Two of these cases have been confirmed in the Bolgatanga Municipality and Talensi District.

“In the Upper East Region, from epidemiological week 1 to 9 (1st January – 2nd March 2025), we have recorded a total of 31 suspected cases and two deaths, and all were caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae,” he stated.

While acknowledging the rising number of suspected cases, he emphasized that the situation remains under control.

On the state of cholera in the region, Dr. Boakye Boateng noted that health authorities have activated an emergency response mechanism, including heightened surveillance and public education on preventive measures.

“Since October 2024, a total of 6,405 suspected cholera cases have been reported in the five affected regions, with 719 probable cases, 561 confirmed cases, and 49 unfortunate deaths. In response, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has conducted reactive Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaigns in hotspot areas.”

Additionally, all regions, including the Upper East Region, have activated emergency response mechanisms, focusing on disease surveillance, public education, and the promotion of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives to curb the spread.

As part of its preparedness efforts, the Upper East Regional Health Directorate has collaborated with key stakeholders to bolster response measures.

“For regional preparedness and response in the event of an outbreak, the Upper East Regional Health Directorate, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has put in place the necessary measures to safeguard the health and well-being of all residents,” Dr. Boakye Boateng assured.

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The post Upper East Region on high alert as meningitis kills two, 31 cases under investigation first appeared on 3News.

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