The Savannah Regional Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Salifu Bawa, has confirmed one death from Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in the Savannah Region.
He said the region has recorded seven suspected cases so far. Of these, one has resulted in death, three have tested negative, and results for the remaining three are pending.
Speaking to Channel One News, Dr Bawa disclosed that the fatal case was recorded in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District. According to him, the patient was brought to a health facility unconscious and died a few hours later.
He added that suspected cases have been reported in five districts: Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, Central Gonja, West Gonja Municipality, North Gonja, and Bole. Sawla-Tuna-Kalba has recorded three cases, the highest in the region, while each of the other four districts has reported one case.
“We have seven cases in total, one has been confirmed. Three results are pending, and three tested negative for meningitis. The one case that was confirmed positive for meningitis is from Sawla-Tuna-Kalba. This case was reported to the hospital unconscious, and doctors tried all that they could, but the patient passed away after some hours,” he stated.
Dr Bawa attributed the death largely to late reporting to a health facility, noting that delayed treatment significantly reduces survival chances in meningitis cases.
“The death we have found out is usually due to late reporting. When patients report late, it’s difficult; the chances have become very slim for doctors to bring about recovery. So our education has been on residents reporting early when they see the symptoms of meningitis,” he urged.
He advised the public to avoid overcrowded places and practise proper respiratory hygiene, including covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
“We are asking people to take precautions, we want to prevent the infection, and we are asking people to observe cough etiquette. When you are coughing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and then properly dispose of it. We are asking people not to be in a congested place, and even where you are, try to ensure that there’s proper ventilation. You need to eat well, you need to practice proper hygiene,” he advised.
The symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, and neck pain or stiffness. Someone who has meningitis may also experience nausea, vomiting, confusion, and other symptoms.
Source: Citi Newsroom
