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. 2017 Jun 30:27:164.
doi: 10.11604/pamj.2017.27.164.11036. eCollection 2017.

Evaluation of bacterial meningitis surveillance data of the northern region, Ghana, 2010-2015

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Evaluation of bacterial meningitis surveillance data of the northern region, Ghana, 2010-2015

Basil Benduri Kaburi et al. Pan Afr Med J. .

Abstract

Introduction: Bacterial meningitis is a disease of major public health importance especially for countries such as Ghana; whose northern part lies within the meningitis belt. The Northern region of Ghana has been recording cases with outbreaks over the years. In order to generate evidence to improve surveillance, we described the epidemiology of bacterial meningitis using surveillance data of the northern region.

Methods: Bacterial meningitis datasets from January 2010 to December 2015 for all the 26 districts of the Northern region were retrieved from line lists. Data were analyzed in terms of person, place, time, and identity of causative organisms using descriptive statistics. The results were presented as proportions, rates, tables and graphs.

Results: A total of 1,176 cases were reported. Of these, 53.5% (629/1,176) were males. The proportion of cases aged 0 to 29 years was 77.4%. The Overall Case Fatality Rate (CFR) was 9.7% (114/1,176). About 65% of all cases were recorded from January to April. Only 23.7% (279/1,176) of cases were laboratory-confirmed. Neisseria meningitides and Streptococcus pneumonia accounted for 91.4% of confirmed cases. Over the period, the incidence reduced from 9.0/100,000 population to 3.8/100,000 population and CFR reduced from 16.6% to 5.7%.

Conclusion: Most cases of bacterial meningitis were recorded in the dry season and in persons younger than 30 years. Less than a quarter of cases were laboratory confirmed, and no new bacteria species were identified. Both morbidity and mortality rates were on the decline. There is the need to consolidate these gains by intensifying meningitis surveillance and improving on the rate of laboratory case confirmation.

Keywords: Bacterial meningitis; northern region of Ghana; surveillance data.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Map of Africa showing Northern Ghana as a part of the meningitis belt
Figure 2
Figure 2
Map of Ghana showing the geographical boundaries of Northern Region
Figure 3
Figure 3
Distribution of causative organisms of bacterial meningitis by age, NR, 2010-2015
Figure 4
Figure 4
Trend of mortality and morbidity of bacterial meningitis cases, NR, 2010-2015
Figure 5
Figure 5
Distribution of bacterial meningitis cases by district, NR, 2010-2015
Figure 6
Figure 6
Cumulative seasonal trend of bacterial meningitis, NR, 2010-2015

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