The Ghana Health Service (GHS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has issued a public warning urging residents, particularly those in the meningitis belt, to remain alert for a possible outbreak of disease during the dry and dusty season.

The advisory was issued as a follow-up to an earlier release dated December 1, 2025.

In a statement issued yesterday, the service indicated that Meningitis was a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that caused inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

It can spread rapidly, especially in crowded living conditions, and requires early detection and prompt medical care to prevent severe complications or death.

Surveillance

It, however, assured the general public that surveillance systems had been strengthened, and health facilities were on high alert to respond promptly to any suspected case.

It urged people experiencing symptoms or suspecting a case of meningitis to report immediately to the nearest health facility, as early reporting and treatment were crucial to saving lives.

“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, advised.

Symptoms and high-risk groups

The statement further outlined key signs and 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, symptoms may include a bulging fontanelle, persistent crying, or refusal to feed.

Those considered at higher risk include children under five, adolescents and young adults, elderly persons, people living in overcrowded conditions, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Preventive measures

To reduce the risk of infection, the GHS urged 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.

Background

Meningitis outbreak is endemic in the northern part of Ghana, especially during the dry season from October to March.

It often results in fatality; however, vaccination and improved surveillance have reduced the overall burden, though during the intense weather, there are spikes in incidents.

For instance, in 2025, to help combat the outbreaks, the World Health Organisation (WHO) provided support to the GHS for treatment.

That intervention, coupled with increased awareness efforts by stakeholders and the need for targeted interventions in identified hotspots, helped reduce the impact.