No Epidemic outbreak of CSM in U/E—Says Health Experts

The Upper East Regional Disease Surveillance Officer, Thomas Abachie has refuted claim that the region is experiencing an outbreak of perennial Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM). He described such pronouncements and publications across some section of the media as null and void though the region has recorded some suspected and confirmed cases of the disease, this year. Mr. Abachie who disclosed this to Radio Ghana at Bolgatanga said the region this year has recorded 351 suspected and 118 confirmed cases with less than 10 deaths. This, he added, is a clear indication that the disease has not reached its epidemic threshold and called on the public to exercise restraints since the regional health directorate has instituted adequate measures to ensure minimal cases. Mr. Abachie said his outfit with the support of other stakeholders, have put in place various interventions to that regard. According to him, the region is currently embarking on community sensitization to educate residents on the need to take precautionary measures in order not to acquire the disease. The epidemic management committees at the regional and district levels, he noted, has also been strengthened to deal with the situation when the need arises. He also mentioned close collaboration with key stakeholders including the media, security agencies, MOFA, NADMO the Navrongo Health Research Centre for confirmation of causative organism, as some of the interventional measures. Moreover ,clinicians and other health workers stationed at the epidemic prone areas have been sensitize on how to deal with cases of CSM, W135 and Strep pneumonia among other related diseases in case of any outbreak. Mr. Abachie advised the public to report to the nearest health post in case of any unusual feeling such as stiffness of the neck, flu, severe headache as well as fever and vomiting, adding that untreated viral and bacteria meningitis may pose serious consequences including permanent brain damage and death. He said Cerebrospinal meningitis, commonly referred to as CSM is an infection of the lining of the brain and spine and stressed the need urgent medical help because the disease can become extremely serious in just a few hours. Mr Abachie therefore called on affected persons to report and also seek early treatment to prevent serious complications and outbreak.
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