MOH Issues Meningitis Public Alert

 

The Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a public notice on intensifying surveillance over a possible meningitis outbreak in communities within the country’s meningitis belt.

A press release signed by the GHS Director General, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, stated that “meningitis is a serious and potentially life threatening disease that causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.”

It stressed that the disease can spread rapidly especially in crowded living conditions and requires early detection and immediate medical care to prevent severe complications or death.

GHS has indicated common signs and symptoms of meningitis which includes sudden high fever, severe headache, stiff neck pain when bending the neck forward, nausea and vomiting.

Also, confusion, drowsiness or difficulty waking, convulsions or seizures.

The statement further indicated that people who are at risk includes children under 5 years, adolescents and young adults, elderly people, people living in overcrowded conditions and individuals living with weak immune systems.

The service has outlined preventive measures for the public to follow such as avoiding overcrowded and poorly ventilated spaces, practicing good respiratory hygiene including covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing of hands regularly with soap and water, seeking early medical care when symptoms appear, ensuring routine immunization are up to date and increasing the intake of fluids and water for hydration.

It also called on individuals experiencing symptoms or suspecting a case of meningitis to report immediately to the nearest health facility stressing that early reporting and treatment saves lives.

The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service has assured the public that surveillance systems have been strengthened and health facilities are on alert to respond immediately to any suspected case.

BY Florence Asamoah Adom

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