The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a strong appeal to residents of the Upper West Region to strictly adhere to basic hygiene practices in an effort to prevent the further spread of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM).

The call comes in response to the rising number of cases recorded in the region, with the disease having claimed 14 lives so far.

Dr. Damien Punguyire, the Upper West Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, emphasised the critical need for residents to practice good hygiene and ensure they sleep in well-ventilated spaces to curb the spread of the infection.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Punguyire explained that while the bacteria responsible for the disease naturally exists in the human body, it becomes problematic under specific environmental conditions, particularly during harsh weather conditions.

He further urged residents to be mindful of respiratory etiquette, particularly in social settings where airborne diseases can easily spread.

“This is a bacteria that is living in us, in the human body. And throughout the year, we are living with it, but it doesn’t cause problems. So what we can do when the weather at this stage is not good is that you need to hydrate yourself very well. Drink a lot of water, when your throat is wet, you make sure it doesn’t crack.

“When somebody is going to sneeze, you cover your nostrils, if you are coughing and all that. We try to do that and then leave in a highly good ventilation areas.”

Cerebrospinal Meningitis is a severe infection that affects the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

The disease is known to spread through close contact, coughing, sneezing, and sharing personal items such as utensils and towels.

Symptoms often include high fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and in some cases, convulsions.