The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, Dr. Gloria Amegatcher, has cautioned that cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) can be transmitted through deep kissing with an infected person, but not through sexual fluids.
Speaking to Rainbow Radio, Dr. Amegatcher explained that CSM is a severe condition that causes inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. She emphasized that if left untreated, the disease can lead to severe complications, including death.
She noted that meningitis can be caused by viral, fungal, or bacterial infections, with bacterial meningitis being the most concerning due to its rapid progression and potential severity. The bacteria responsible for CSM include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae.
Dr. Amegatcher highlighted the recent outbreak of CSM in parts of Northern Ghana and called for increased surveillance and immediate government intervention to prevent further spread. She stressed that medical professionals are deeply concerned about the situation and urged authorities to take swift action.
Explaining the transmission of the disease, Dr. Amegatcher stated that bacterial and viral meningitis are highly contagious and primarily spread through respiratory droplets from infected individuals. This can occur through close contact, such as coughing, sneezing, or kissing.
However, she clarified that while deep kissing can facilitate transmission, CSM is not spread through sexual fluids. “It spreads through respiratory droplets,” she said. “If I come into contact with tiny droplets of respiratory secretions from an infected person, such as kissing, coughing, or sneezing, I can contract it. The disease can easily spread in overcrowded or enclosed areas such as dormitories, rooms, and other poorly ventilated spaces.”
Dr. Amegatcher advised the public to practice preventive measures such as maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and ensuring proper ventilation in crowded spaces.
She reiterated the importance of early detection and treatment to reduce fatalities and urged the government and health authorities to take immediate steps to contain the outbreak.
