A Disease Control Officer, Sophia Adala, has warned that Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) is a life-threatening disease that requires immediate medical attention to prevent severe complications and death.
Speaking on Voices of Change on Saturday, January 17, Adala explained that CSM affects the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord and is commonly caused by bacteria or viruses.
According to her, delayed treatment can result in serious health consequences, including brain damage, hearing loss, and death, stressing that early reporting to health facilities is critical once symptoms appear.
“The disease is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening if not attended to quickly.” She stated.
Adala identified fever, severe headache, confusion, and stiff neck as the common signs and symptoms of CSM, adding that the disease spreads through coughing, sneezing, and prolonged stay in overcrowded places.
She noted that children under five years and the elderly are the most vulnerable to the disease due to weaker immune systems.
Adala advised the public to wash hands regularly under running water, drink adequate amounts of water, and avoid overcrowded environments, especially during the dry season.
Also speaking on the programme, a midwife, Theresa Akanbey, dismissed common misconceptions about CSM, including claims that the disease affects only children, is just a fever, or is caused by vaccines.
“Meningitis must be diagnosed in the laboratory before it can be confirmed. It is a serious illness that can claim life.” She explained.
Akanbey noted that the northern belt of the country is more prone to CSM outbreaks, attributing this to environmental, economic, and attitudinal factors such as long dry seasons, poor ventilation, overcrowded sleeping arrangements, bush burning,g and indiscriminate tree felling.
She added that misconceptions like the belief that “African germs are not harmful” also contribute to delayed reporting and increased spread.
Akanbey urged residents to improve ventilation in homes, adjust sleeping arrangements to avoid breathing into one another, and wear protective clothing and nose masks.
Both health practitioners cautioned against self-medication and encouraged early reporting to health facilities to prevent complications such as permanent disability or loss of life.
They also appealed to traditional leaders and other stakeholders to enforce by-laws against bush burning and indiscriminate felling of trees, describing environmental protection as a key factor in reducing the spread of CSM.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | Cynthia Afaah
