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. 2016 Oct 1;25(Suppl 1):9.
doi: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2016.25.1.6180. eCollection 2016.

Review of meningitis surveillance data, upper West Region, Ghana 2009-2013

Robert Domo Nuoh  1 , Kofi Mensah Nyarko  1 , Priscilla Nortey  2 , Samuel Oko Sackey  2 , Noora Charles Lwanga  1 , Donne Kofi Ameme  2 , Culbert Nuolabong  2 , Marijanatu Abdulai  1 , Fredrick Wurapa  2 , Edwin Afari  2
Affiliations

Review of meningitis surveillance data, upper West Region, Ghana 2009-2013

Robert Domo Nuoh et al. Pan Afr Med J. .

Abstract

Introduction: The Upper West region of Ghana is within the meningitis belt. Analysis of long term surveillance data is necessary for understanding changes in the disease occurrence. We analyzed five years of surveillance data to describe by person, place and time and to determine trends in meningitis.

Methods: Meningitis surveillance data from Ghana Health Service in the Upper West Region, from 2009 to 2013 were reviewed. Data was obtained from District-Health Information Management System and line list from the Disease Control Unit. Population figures (denominators) and rainfall data were also analyzed.

Results: Within the period 980 cases of meningitis were reported in the region, 507(52%) females and 473(48%) males. The mean age of cases was 20.1years and standard deviation 18.8 years with, 77.6 %( 761/980) cases occurring in persons aged under 30 years. Children under five years were 19.3% (190/980). Attack rates ranged from 6.1/100,000 population in the Daffiama-bussei-Issa-district to 47.5/100,000 in Jirapa. Overall case fatality rate of meningitis was 12.2% with 14deaths/100,000 population. Bacterial agents were isolated from 35% (245/702) of CSF. Majority were Streptococcus pneumonia 48.2 % ( 122/258), and N. meningitides Y/W 135 40.3% (102/258). Meningitis was found to be seasonal with peaks in the dry season.

Conclusion: Meningitis in the region is seasonal, and showed a decreasing trend. Jirapa, Lawra, Nadowli and Wa West districts had the highest burden. Control effort of the disease should focus on vaccination against streptococcus pneumonia and N. meningitis W135 especially within crowded settlements such as boarding schools.

Keywords: Ghana; Meningitis; data; surveillance.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Meningitis Cases and rainfall trends in Upper West Region Ghana, 2009-2013
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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