Kyiiru Faustina from Korro Gberkuo, a 15 year Old girl has miraculously survived a severe case of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) after being rushed to St. Theresa Hospital in Nandom unconscious.
Dr. Sebastian Yidana Ninimiya, the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, revealed that Faustina was among a growing number of meningitis cases recorded in the area over the past few weeks. He explained that this year’s strain, known as the streptococcus pneumoniae strain, is particularly aggressive and lacks a vaccine for adults. While children under 12 are partially protected due to their immunization schedule in childhood, adults remain highly vulnerable.
Dr. Peter Gayina, another physician at the facility, detailed Faustina’s critical condition upon arrival. “She was vomiting, had a high fever, and was brought in unconscious,” he said. “Despite the late arrival, we managed to stabilize her.”
According to Dr. Ninimiya, a special medication called Rocephine, not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), played a crucial role in saving the teenager’s life. “This medication is quite expensive, but it is what we administer first in critical cases before switching to the generic treatment, which is now free even for clients without NHIS,” he added.
Health officials are urging the public to take precautions, as meningitis spreads through respiratory droplets. They advise wearing masks in crowded places, staying hydrated, eating fruits, engaging in regular exercise and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, headache, neck stiffness, or loss of consciousness occur.
Dr. Gayina reassured that despite the severity of the illness, Faustina has not suffered any hearing loss, a common complication of meningitis. The Ghana Health Service has stepped in to cover all treatment costs.
With the meningitis season at its peak, medical professionals in Nandom are calling for early reporting of symptoms to prevent further fatalities.
