FIFTEEN cases and two deaths of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) have so far been recorded in the Upper West Region (UWR), the Upper West Regional Director of Health, Dr Josephat A. Nyuzaghl, has disclosed.

In a media briefing in Wa yesterday aimed at providing a coordinated update on the situation and strengthening public awareness and response efforts, Dr Nyuzaghl assured that the region has intensified surveillance during the peak meningitis season.

According to him, the current season appears relatively mild compared to last year’s outbreak, when the region recorded 269 suspected cases, 26 laboratory confirmations and 13 deaths the same period.

He said lessons from last year’s outbreak have improved preparedness, early detection and case management. “We want to identify cases early, ensure access to treatment and most importantly minimise deaths,” Dr Nyuzaghl said, noting that outbreaks are unpredictable and require constant readiness.

Regional surveillance data show the Upper West’s population of 987,348 spread across 11 districts remains under close monitoring, with varying alert and epidemic thresholds.

• Jirapa, with a population of 99,971, has recorded one confirmed case and one death out of a single suspected case.
• Nadowli, population of 84,395, has reported seven suspected cases, with one confirmed and one death, making it the district with the highest suspected caseload so far.
• Wa Municipality, the most populous district at 219,781 residents, has recorded three suspected cases and one confirmation but no deaths.
• Wa East, with 100,166 residents, has also confirmed one case without any fatalities.
• Sissala East, population 88,296, has detected two suspected cases, though none have been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Daffiama-Bussie-Issa (42,444), Lambussie (55,986), Lawra (63,997), Nandom (56,216), Sissala West (69,906) and Wa West (106,190) have reported either zero suspected cases or no confirmations and deaths during the reporting period.

In total, four cases have been confirmed across the region, with two deaths. Health officials describe the trend as calm but caution against complacency.

Dr Nyuzaghl said the Regional Health Directorate decided to brief all media houses at once to avoid fragmented reporting and ensure consistent public messaging. “There is no way you can prevent outbreaks completely,” the Director explained. “What is important is preparedness and rapid response to reduce negative outcomes,” he added.

The Directorate has strengthened case detection at health facilities, stockpiled essential medicines, and mobilised rapid response teams to investigate alerts quickly.

Public education campaigns are also underway to encourage early reporting of symptoms such as fever, neck stiffness, severe headache and vomiting. He called on journalists and community leaders to support the effort by disseminating accurate information and discouraging delays in seeking care. “Your role is critical in helping us communicate with the public. Together, we can contain any potential outbreak,” he said.

With the meningitis season expected to continue through the dry months, health authorities say they will maintain heightened surveillance across all districts to prevent a repeat of last year’s losses and safeguard the nearly one million residents of the region.