FEAR GRIPS BRONG AHAFO RESIDENTS

From Michael Sarpong MFUM, Sunyani
 

Following the death of 33 people from Pneumococcal Meningitis in the Brong Ahafo Region, many people in the region are currently living in fear.

Pneumococcal meningitis is a type of bacterial pneumonia that is specifically caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. 

Symptoms include a teeth-chattering chill lasting for approximately 30 minutes, with fever, cough and the production of rusty or blood-streaked sputum.

 The disease started late last year at Brohani in the Tain District. It has so far spread to Wenchi, Techiman Municipality, with over 100 cases reported.

Though Deputy Minister of Health Dr Victor Bampoe has assured the residents not to fear, the residents are doubtful.

                                     Dr. Victor Bampoe, Deputy  Minister of Health

Mr Yaw Kyereme, a resident of Wenchi, revealed that he is afraid to even go out because he fears he might contract the disease.

According to the residents, though they have been assured, they are afraid, and have, therefore, taken their destiny into their own hands by adhering to the instructions on how not to contract the disease.

The Assembly Member of Nwoasi Dadeasi Electoral Area and spokesperson for the assembly members in the Wenchi Municipality, Amos Kofi Osei, in an interview with said the Ghana Education Service should close down schools in the municipality to ensure that the disease does not spread.

Mr Osei noted with worry that if care is not taken, the disease would spread because of the overcrowding in schools in the area.

The government has set aside GH₵150,000 to confront the deadly Pneumococcal Meningitis, which has already claimed over 33 lives.

The Wenchi Municipal Director of Health, Mr Annor Duku, says his outfit has intensified education on the disease in the various communities in the municipality by visiting the people.

Assembly members have also been educated to also propagate the information on what they should do to avoid contracting the disease.