The Ministry of Health has assured the people of the Tain District in the Brong Ahafo region they have provided adequate stocks of antibiotics to combat the outbreak of pneumococcal meningitis.
[contextly_sidebar id=”9rIYcdnajPsvoaAlMwwdkxz16TUHKf9h”]A statement from the Ministry of Health signed by their head of public relations, Tony Goodman, revealed they have identified the causative agent of the outbreak to be pneumococcus which can be treated with the effective antibiotics they have identified (Ampicillin, Ceftriaxone and Erythromycin).
Other pertinent logistics like laboratory test kits, gloves etc. have been dispatched to the affected area.
The ministry also stated other districts in the region and neighbouring regions have been alerted to look for cases as well.
The statement also urges people with symptoms and signs suggestive of meningitis like a fever, headaches and neck stiffness to report immediately go to the nearest health facility.
They also advice people to avoid overcrowding, prevent dryness of the throat by drinking water exercising proper etiquette when coughing and sneezing.
Below is a section for the Ministry of Health’s statement:
Actions taken so far in response to the outbreak
- Conducted investigation into the outbreak and exact causative agent identified to be pneumococcus. This can be treated with antibiotics and effective antibiotics identified.
- Provided adequate stock of antibiotics (Ampicillin, Ceftriaxone and Erythromycin being organized to beef up what is in the District.
- Other logistics such as laboratory test kits, gloves etc. have been dispatched to the affected area.
- Communities have been visited and intensive public health education is ongoing
- Other outlets such as the radio station, Gong-Gong beating and community mobilization is also being used
- Surveillance on meningitis has been enhanced and Health workers sensitized on the outbreak.
- Municipal and Regional Epidemic management committees have been activated and are functional.
- Teams of health workers conduct contact tracing and primary and secondary contacts are managed as appropriate.
- OPD records from all health facilities have been reviewed from 20th December 2015 till date from all facilities to help determine missed cases.
- All districts in the region and neighbouring regions have been alerted to look for cases as well
What we require from the general public
People with symptoms and signs suggestive of meningitis (fever, headache, neck stiffness) should report immediately go to the nearest health facility.
Avoid overcrowding, prevent dryness of the throat by drinking, prevent cough and sneezing etiquettes,
Other preventive measures include avoiding mosquito bite, sleeping in insecticide treated bed nets, environmental cleanliness and preventing stagnation of water in tins and tyres.
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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana