Meningitis outbreak in Ghana

So far this year, 93 people have died due to meningitis caused by the bacteria that usually causes pneumonia (Streptococcus pneumoniae). Although this bacteria is spread into the lungs by coughing, it may move via the bloodstream from the lungs to the membranes covering the brain and cause meningitis.

Advice

The season for outbreaks and increased transmission of pneumococcal meningitis in Ghana usually begins in the dry season from October to March, with the worst affected regions being the Ashanti, Central, Brong Ahafo and Northern region due to relatively low humidity and abundance of dust. Obtaining a vaccination against the pneumococcal bacteria along with vaccination against the other bacteria that cause meningitis will help reduce the risk of exposure and infection with these bacteria.