The Ghana Health Service (GHS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has issued a public alert urging residents—particularly those living in the meningitis belt—to remain vigilant for a possible outbreak as the dry and dusty season intensifies.
The advisory, issued as a follow-up to an earlier release dated 1 December 2025, cautions that meningitis remains a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that can spread rapidly under certain conditions.
In a statement released yesterday, the GHS explained that meningitis causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord and is especially dangerous in crowded living environments. The service stressed that early detection and prompt medical care are critical to preventing severe complications or death.
Despite the warning, the GHS assured the public that surveillance systems have been strengthened nationwide and that health facilities are on high alert to respond swiftly to any suspected cases.
“Any person experiencing symptoms or suspecting a case of meningitis should report immediately to the nearest health facility. Please note that early reporting and treatment save lives,” the statement, signed by the Director-General of the GHS, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, said.
Symptoms and high-risk groups
The GHS outlined key symptoms to aid early detection, including sudden high fever, severe headache, stiff neck or pain when bending the neck forward, nausea and vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, and convulsions. In infants, warning signs may include a bulging fontanelle, persistent crying, or refusal to feed.
Groups considered to be at higher risk include children under five, adolescents and young adults, elderly persons, individuals living in overcrowded conditions, and people with weakened immune systems.
Preventive measures
To reduce the risk of infection, the service advised the public to avoid overcrowded and poorly ventilated spaces, practise good respiratory hygiene by covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and wash hands regularly with soap and water.
Additional preventive measures include keeping routine immunisations up to date, seeking early medical care when symptoms appear, and maintaining adequate hydration through frequent fluid intake.
Meningitis outbreaks are endemic in northern Ghana, particularly during the dry season from October to March, when hot, dusty conditions increase transmission risks.
Although the disease can be fatal, vaccination campaigns and improved disease surveillance have significantly reduced its overall burden. In 2025, support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for treatment and response efforts, coupled with increased public awareness and targeted interventions in identified hotspots, helped mitigate the impact of outbreaks.
Health authorities say continued vigilance remains critical as the peak season progresses.
Asaase Broadcasting Company airs on Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: atlanticafricanews.com/, Sound Garden and TuneIn.
Follow us:
X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio
#AsaasePa
#TheVoiceofOurLand
