Dr. Eric Amoah, CEO of Aidlife Hospital has attributed the high level of cerebrospinal meningitis infections in the northern part of Ghana to low level of health education.
According to him, the infection is very fatal, especially when it affects babies below one year, and if the baby does not receive medical attention within 24 hours, it can lead to its demise.
In an interview with Fati Shaibu Ali on Happy FMs morning show, Dr. Eric Amoah also said that since the infections are transmitted from one person to another, the disease can spread easily because of the dusty nature in the northern part, especially in the harmattan season.
He added that personal hygiene practice may be very low in the northern part of the country and contributes to infections.
Cerebrospinal menningitis is an infection and swelling of the fluid and membranes around the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are called meninges. The inflammation from meningitis most often triggers symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck.
About 14 people have lost their lives at Wa in the Upper West Region as a result of the cerebrospinal meningitis outbreak.
20 confirmed cases have been reported so far with 94 suspected cases.
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Minta Akandoh, has assured the public that the government will do everything possible to contain the disease.
