The Upper West Region has confirmed five meningitis-related deaths and seven positive cases out of 34 suspected infections.
This was disclosed by Dr Collins Boateng Dankwa, Deputy Director of Health Services in charge of public health in the region, during the 2026 performance review meeting organised by the Wa Municipal Health Directorate.
Data comparing the situation to the same period last year after epidemiological week seven shows that 134 suspected cases and 16 deaths were recorded at the time, reflecting a decline in suspected infections this year.
Despite the reduction in suspected cases, the case fatality rate has risen to 14 percent, up from 7 percent recorded during the corresponding period last year.
The figures indicate that although fewer people are presenting with symptoms, a greater proportion of those affected are dying, pointing to possible late reporting or increased disease severity.
