The Upper West Region has so far recorded 15 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) during the ongoing 2025–2026 meningitis season, with laboratory tests confirming four of the cases and two deaths reported, regional health authorities have disclosed.
The Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Josephat Nyuzaghl, made this known while briefing the media on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. He explained that although the meningitis season is still ongoing, the situation remains far less severe compared to the previous season, offering some relief to health officials and residents.
According to Dr Nyuzaghl, the current figures represent a significant decline when compared with the 2024–2025 season, during which the region recorded as many as 269 suspected cases. Out of that number, 36 cases were laboratory confirmed, and 18 people lost their lives. This translated into a case fatality rate of about 6.7 percent, which is below the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended threshold of 10 percent.
He noted that the decline in cases and deaths this season reflects improved preparedness and response measures put in place by the Ghana Health Service ahead of the peak meningitis period. The meningitis season in the northern parts of Ghana typically begins in the dry season, around late October, and runs through April, a period associated with dry winds, dust, and cold nights that increase vulnerability to the disease.
Dr Nyuzaghl revealed that most of the confirmed cases recorded last season were caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterial strain known to cause severe meningitis. The outbreak largely affected young people between the ages of 11 and 20, with the Nadowli and Nandom districts identified as the hardest-hit areas.
Providing an update on the current season, the Regional Director said the health directorate has stepped up surveillance activities across all districts to ensure early detection of suspected cases. Health facilities have been placed on high alert, and disease surveillance officers are actively monitoring communities to identify symptoms early and initiate prompt treatment.
“The 2025–2026 meningitis season started around the last week of October and is expected to run until April. Compared to last year, we are seeing fewer cases and fewer fatalities. This shows that our preparedness measures, including early reporting and rapid response, are making a real difference,” Dr Nyuzaghl stated.
He added that the regional health authorities are also focusing on improving access to healthcare services, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities where delays in seeking treatment often contribute to complications and deaths. Efforts are being made to ensure that essential medicines and logistics are readily available at health facilities across the region.
Risk communication and public education have also been intensified. Dr Nyuzaghl appealed to the media, traditional leaders, opinion leaders, and community-based organisations to support public awareness campaigns. He stressed the importance of educating residents on the early warning signs of meningitis, such as severe headache, fever, neck stiffness, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
He encouraged members of the public to seek immediate medical attention when symptoms appear, rather than resorting to self-medication or delaying care, which can be fatal.
Dr Nyuzaghl reassured residents that the Upper West Regional Health Directorate remains fully prepared to respond swiftly to any increase in cases. He emphasised that early detection, prompt treatment, strong surveillance systems, and community cooperation remain the most effective tools in preventing widespread outbreaks and reducing deaths from meningitis in the region.
As the dry season continues, health officials are urging residents to remain vigilant, protect themselves from excessive dust exposure, and report symptoms early to help keep the situation under control.
Source: Africa Publicity
