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Cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in the Upper West Region have increased from 42 to 60, while the death count has reached 14.
Health officials have voiced worries about the increasing death toll, linking it to diagnostic errors, delays in obtaining care, and the steep expenses of healthcare.
In reaction to the deteriorating situation, local health authorities are ramping up measures to control the outbreak.
Proposed actions involve offering complimentary care for impacted individuals and initiating awareness campaigns to promote prompt medical attention.
Authorities emphasize that timely diagnosis and treatment are vital in avoiding additional fatalities.
Dr. Damien Punguyire, the Regional Health Director, has attributed the rising fatalities to early misdiagnoses, as numerous cases have been incorrectly identified as malaria.
He noted that inadequate treatments frequently postpone the delivery of proper care, making patients susceptible to serious complications.
“Once people come to understand that their situation is worsening, it’s frequently too late,” he remarked.
Dr. Punguyire stressed the significance of prompt intervention, encouraging those with persistent fever, neck discomfort, or body pains to seek urgent medical care.
He recommended that individuals diagnosed with malaria revisit a health facility if their symptoms continue or deteriorate within 12 to 24 hours.
He also emphasized preventive actions, warning against excessive crowding and suggesting more water consumption to maintain throat moisture and avoid cracks that could allow bacterial entry.
“With timely diagnosis and proper care, nobody should die from this disease,” he assured.
NKONKONSA.com
