Ghana Health Service confirms 11 deaths due to cerebrospinal meningitis

As of February 2026, Ghana is combating the seasonal cerebrospinal meningitis disease in the northern regions, particularly the Northern Region, Upper West Region, Savannah Region, and North East Region, where suspected and confirmed cases have been reported.

According to the Ghana Health Service, 11 deaths have been confirmed so far, a reminder of how quickly the disease can strike. However, authorities say, they are working hard to control the outbreak.

Speaking to TV3 news on February 18, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba, said he has directed all the research centres, especially at the Ghana Health Service including the Navrongo Research Centre, the Kintampo Research Centre and the Dodowa Research Centre, to find out the reason behind the seasonal occurrence and what could be done.

He explained that the government remains committed towards working to ensure that the disease is contained.

“The directives again from His Excellency the President are that no Ghanaian should stay home because of financial barriers to the treatment of meningitis. We have distributed the necessary medication to all the health facilities within the belt so there are enough resources to take care of any patient who is diagnosed with meningitis.

And it’s free to all patients who are diagnosed. They should only go with their health insurance card and if they don’t even have it, they can still go and they will get the treatment at no cost to them,” Prof Kaba said.

He reiterated the need to rush to the hospital immediately if they experience possible signs and symptoms including fever, headache, and neck pain or stiffness. While others may also experience nausea, vomiting, confusion, and other symptoms which must be acted upon swiftly.

“Immediately they feel any signs and symptoms, they should get to the health facility within their zone and they will be taken care of and they will be transferred if necessary to the next level to have,” he added.

Source: 3news