Wa, Feb. 20, – The Upper West Region has recorded comparatively fewer confirmed meningitis cases in the 2025/2026 season, but with a significantly higher fatality rate than the previous year, according to the Regional Health Directorate.
As of February 20, 2026, the region had reported 34 suspected cases, out of which seven were confirmed, resulting in five deaths. This represents a case fatality rate of 14 per cent.
By contrast, during the same period in the 2024/2025 season, 134 suspected cases were recorded with 16 deaths, reflecting a seven per cent fatality rate.
A district breakdown shows that Wa Municipality registered 12 suspected cases, one confirmed case and no deaths. Nadowli-Kaleo District recorded 12 suspected cases, three confirmed cases and two deaths. Nandom Municipality reported four suspected cases, one confirmed case and one death.
In Jirapa Municipality, two suspected cases were recorded, with one confirmed case and two deaths. Wa East District registered one suspected and one confirmed case without any fatality, while Sissala East and Wa West Districts reported two and one suspected cases respectively, with no deaths.
The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, disclosed the figures during a working visit to the region to evaluate the ongoing meningitis situation.
He attributed the relatively high fatality rate to delays in seeking medical care and poor health-seeking behaviour among affected persons. He noted that the Upper West Region currently accounts for the highest meningitis-related deaths within Ghana’s meningitis belt.
Dr Akoriyea urged residents to promptly visit health facilities when they experience symptoms such as persistent headaches, fever and neck stiffness. Early treatment, he stressed, significantly improves survival outcomes.
He also advised the public to increase water intake, particularly during the extreme heat conditions, to reduce vulnerability to meningitis infections.
The Director-General called on health personnel in the region to intensify surveillance, early case detection and public education campaigns. He emphasised the need to strengthen health facilities to operate effectively around the clock to prevent avoidable deaths.
GHBUSS
Feb. 20, 2026
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