The Upper West Region has recorded a total of 15 suspected cases of meningitis, with four confirmed, and two deaths reported so far in the year within Week 1 to Week 5 of the year 2026.
According to the Regional Health Directorate, the suspected cases have been recorded across several districts in the region.
Including Nadowli-Kaleo District with the highest number with seven suspected cases, followed by Wa Municipal with three.
Sissala East recorded two suspected cases, while Jirapa, Wa East, and Wa West districts each recorded one suspected case.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Upper West Regional Health Director, Dr Josephat A. Nyuzaghl, stated that out of the 15 suspected cases, four have been laboratory-confirmed.
The confirmed cases were recorded in Jirapa District and Nadowli District, with one confirmed case each. The two deaths recorded so far are also from Jirapa and Nadowli districts.
Dr Nyuzaghl said Health surveillance has been intensified in all affected districts, while treatment of patients is ongoing.
Public health education has also been stepped up, especially in communities within the meningitis-prone belt, to encourage early reporting of symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, severe headache, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
He advised residents to avoid overcrowded places, ensure good ventilation in homes, and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if they experience any symptoms related to meningitis.
He disclosed that “poor healthcare-seeking behaviour leading to delayed case detection, co-infection with malaria sometimes masks early diagnosis and treatment delay in referring some cases from peripheral facilities to higher levels for treatment, and high demand for vaccine despite lack of vaccine for reactive campaigns, as most of the major challenges are faced.
Story by Ibrahim Abubakari Wangara
