Ghana is currently facing a severe outbreak of bacterial meningitis in the Upper West Region, leading to a significant strain on the country’s healthcare system.
The country has experienced several outbreaks of bacterial meningitis in recent years. For instance, between December 2015 and May 2016, the Northern and Brong Ahafo Regions witnessed an outbreak of the disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis, resulting in a huge impact on morbidity and mortality.
In the current outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped in to provide technical and logistical support to assist in containing the disease. By working hand in hand with the Ghana Health Service, measures such as surveillance, case management, contact tracing, laboratory testing, and vaccinations are being put in place to help strengthen the country’s health system to better respond to future outbreaks. In addition to working closely with the WHO, other partners such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are equally providing support to Ghana to help combat the outbreak.
Understanding Bacterial Meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis is known to be a potentially life-threatening infection caused by bacteria such as Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and Escherichia coli that inflames the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion, vomiting, seizures, and coma.
Bacterial meningitis is highly contagious, and an individual can be infected through
1. Close contact with an infected person.
2. Droplet transmission, such as kissing or sharing food or drinks.
3. Airborne transmission, such as coughing or sneezing.
Young children, babies, the aged, and those with weakened immune systems and chronic medical conditions are at risk of developing bacterial meningitis.
Treatment for this involves the use of antibiotics, fluid replacement, oxygen therapy, and supportive care. However, bacterial meningitis can lead to serious complications such as brain damage, learning disabilities, seizures, hearing and vision loss, going into a coma, or death.
In spite of that, prevention and controlling bacterial meningitis requires a multifaceted approach, and below are some key strategies.
1. Get vaccinated. Vaccines are available to protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis, such as the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, that can help prevent getting infected.
2. Practice good hygiene, like washing your hands regularly, can help prevent the spread of the disease.
3. Enhanced surveillance. Strengthening surveillance systems can help detect outbreaks early, allowing for prompt response and control measures.
4. Identifying and monitoring individuals who have come into contact with an infected person can also help prevent further transmission of the disease.
To conclude, bacterial meningitis is a deadly disease, don’t wait until it’s too late. Get vaccinated, improve your overall hygiene and protect yourself and your loved ones.
Source: World Health Organization.
