Is meningitis common in Ghana?
Ghana lies within the African meningitis belt which accounts for the highest burden of meningitis worldwide [7].
Why is meningitis common in the northern part of Ghana?
There have been seasonal reports of meningitis in Ghana normally during the dry periods of October to March. During these dry periods with relative low humidity and abundance of dust, individuals become susceptible to meningitis infection. Meningitis is somewhat endemic in the three northern regions of Ghana.
What causes cerebrospinal meningitis?
Bacteria that enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord cause acute bacterial meningitis. But it can also occur when bacteria directly invade the meninges. This may be caused by an ear or sinus infection, a skull fracture, or — rarely — some surgeries.
Where is the meningitis belt in Africa?
The meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa runs across the continent from Senegal to Ethiopia. This region is prone to major epidemics of meningococcal meningitis, with a high case fatality and serious sequelae that place a heavy strain on national and local health services.
What is cerebrospinal meningitis?
Medical Definition of cerebrospinal meningitis : inflammation of the meninges of both brain and spinal cord specifically : an infectious often epidemic and fatal meningitis caused by the meningococcus. — called also cerebrospinal fever.
What are the two types of meningitis?
Meningitis is usually caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis, followed by bacterial meningitis. Rarer types of meningitis include chemical and fungal meningitis.
Is meningitis caused by heat?
Exposure to airborne dust and high temperatures are significant risk factors for bacterial meningitis, a new study by the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Infection and Global Health has found.
What country has the highest rate of meningitis?
Meningococcal disease occurs worldwide, with the highest incidence of disease found in the ‘meningitis belt’ of sub-Saharan Africa.
Who was most affected by meningitis in Africa?
The most affected countries in the region are Burkina Faso, Chad, Ethiopia, and Niger. Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Niger were accountable for 65% of all cases in Africa. In major epidemics, the attack rate range is 100 to 800 people per 100,000. However, communities can have attack rates as high as 1000 per 100,000.
Which season is meningitis?
Meningococcal disease is hyperendemic to this region, and periodic epidemics during the dry season (December–June) reach up to 1,000 cases per 100,000 population. By contrast, rates of disease in the United States, Europe, Australia, and South America range from 0.12 to 3 cases per 100,000 population per year.
What country has the most meningitis cases?
Does meningitis cause death?
Bacterial meningitis is serious. Some people with the infection die and death can occur in as little as a few hours. However, most people recover from bacterial meningitis. Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities.