Pneumococcal Meningitis outbreak; No cause for alarm – MoH

Dr. Victor Bampoe

The Ministry of Health has assured residents of the Brong Ahafo region not to panic over the outbreak of the pneumococcal meningitis in the region, saying health experts are in control of the situation.

The outbreak which started in the Brong Ahafo region has spread to the Ashanti region killing one person, despite assurances by the Health Ministry that the deadly disease was under control.

Five more people have also been confirmed dead in the Brong Ahafo region taking the death toll to 27.

Over 60 people have also been hospitalized after they were infected with the deadly pneumococcal meningitis in the region.

Health experts in the area say the latest strain is more contagious and fatal than Cerebrospinal Meningitis.

The outbreak which started last year in the Tain District has also spread to Wenchi, Techiman, Bruohan, Kintampo, and Sene districts in the same region.

Speaking to Starr News Friday, the deputy Health Minister Dr. Victor Bampoe said residents in the region should not be worried over the outbreak.

He urged people to immediately report symptoms to the nearest hospitals so more lives can be saved. He added that “serious surveillance” has been put in place to deal with the outbreak.

Pneumococcal Meningitis is a deadly disease in which there is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges).

It is caused by viral or bacterial infection, and marked by intense headache and fever, sensitivity to light, and muscular rigidity.

Source: Starrfmonline