Obuasi Death Toll Now 5

Joseph Yileh Chireh - Health Minister

Laboratory analysis conducted by health authorities has confirmed that the strange disease which has so far claimed five lives at New Nsuta Estate, an Obuasi suburb, is cerebro-spinal meningitis (CSM).

According to Dr Akwasi Amankwa, Obuasi Municipal Director of Health, so far 15 cases of the disease had been reported out of which five people have died.

In view of the increasing death toll, Dr Amankwa told the Daily Graphic that an immediate response to immunize residents in the community would be implemented to avert any possible calamity.

In the interim a team from the Obuasi Municipal Health Directorate has visited the affected community to educate the people the disease and asked all with symptoms to report quickly to the hospital for treatment.

Since July 29, 2011, the Anglogold Ashanti Hospital has received nine cases of the disease, recorded two deaths whilse the Obuasi Government Hospital and St Jude Hospital have recorded one death each.

Health authorities confirmed on Tuesday that one more death had occurred, bringing the number of deaths to five.

The deceased, a woman was said to have died at home.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

It can be caused by a number of infectious agents, including viruses and bacteria.

The disease can produce mild symptoms such as headache, low-grade fever and tiredness lasting two to three days in some patients.

In other patients, the symptoms can be severe and begin suddenly with fever, headache and stiff neck accompanied by some combination of other symptoms: decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to bright light, confusion and sleepiness.

The Medical Services Manager of Anglogold Ashanti Hospital, Dr Asenso Barnie, advised the public not to panic over the situation but to ensure personal hygiene and avoid overcrowding.