Ghana: Meningitis outbreak (Situation as of 13 February, 2012)

A total of 36 suspected cases and 6 deaths (CFR: 6%) were reported from 14 districts of 6 regions

Event description

The Ministry of Health in Ghana has reported an outbreak of meningococcal meningitis. As of February 13, 2012, thirty six (36) cases including 6 deaths have been reported from 14 districts in 6 regions. Sixteen of them were confirmed as bacterial meningitis and Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) W135 was isolated in 13 of the 16 samples tested.

One district (i.e. Kassena-Nankana West) has crossed the epidemic threshold and 2 other neighbouring districts have crossed the alert threshold. NmW135 is the predominant causative agent in all three districts. MOH has requested for support from ICG.