Dr Collins Boateng Danquah, the Deputy Director of Public Health for the Upper West Region, has called for heightened public vigilance and prompt medical intervention as the region navigates the peak of the meningitis season.
While overall case numbers have significantly declined compared to the same period last year, health officials are expressing concern over the rising case fatality rate among those infected.
Speaking at the Wa Metropolitan Health review seminar last Thursday, 19th February, Dr Boateng provided a comparative analysis of meningitis data from Week 1 to Week 7 for both 2025 and 2026.
As of the seventh week of 2025, 134 suspected cases were recorded with 16 deaths. This stands in contrast to the 34 suspected cases and 5 deaths reported within the same period this year, 2026.
Dr Boateng noted that of the 34 suspected cases recorded so far this year, seven have been confirmed via PCR laboratory testing.
Despite the lower number of infections, the mortality rate is higher this year, standing at approximately 14% compared to 11% in 2025. Dr Boateng emphasised that clinical audits of all five deaths this season revealed a common factor: delays in seeking medical help.
“Though the suspected cases for this year are down, the few we have gotten, many have died,” Dr Boateng observed, urging the public to stop self-medicating with over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol when symptoms appear.
The health directorate is urging residents to watch for “meningeal signs” and report to the nearest health facility immediately if they experience severe headache, high fever, Neck pain or stiffness.
Dr Boateng reassured the public that meningitis treatment is entirely free in all government facilities, regardless of whether a patient has health insurance.
Health authorities are calling on stakeholders, family members, and the media to spread awareness throughout the remainder of the dry season, which typically lasts until April.
“Once you get the signs, don’t stay at home,” Dr Boateng concluded. “Early detection and rapid treatment are the only ways to ensure survival”.
