Ghana Medical Journal
Journal / Ghana Medical Journal / Vol. 54 No. 2 (2020): Supplement / Articles

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Published:

Aug 31, 2020

DOI:

10.4314/gmj.v54i2s.6

Keywords:

meningitis outbreak; geospatial clustering; Upper East Region; meningitis incidence; Ghana

Issue

Vol. 54 No. 2 (2020): Supplement

Section

Articles

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Ernest Akyereko

Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra

Donne Ameme

Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra

Kofi M. Nyarko

Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra

Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe

Disease Surveillance Department, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana

Samuel Sackey

Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra

Kofi Issah

Brong Ahafo Regional Health Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Sunyani, Ghana

Baba Wuni

Upper East Regional Health Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Bolgatanga, Ghana

Ernest Kenu

Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra

Abstract

Objective: We mapped and generated hot spots for potential meningitis outbreak from existing data in Upper East region, Ghana.
Design: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2017
Data Source: Meningitis data in the Upper East Region from January 2007, to December 2016.
Main outcome measure: We used spatial tools in Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) and Geoda to draw choropleth map of meningitis incidence, case fatality and hotspot for potential meningitis outbreak

Results: A total of 2312 meningitis cases (suspected and confirmed) were recorded from 2016-2017 with median incidence of 15.0cases/100,000 population (min 6.3, max 47.8). Median age of cases was 15 years (IQR: 6-31 years). Most (44.2%) of those affected were 10 years and below. Females (51.2%) constituted the highest proportion. Median incidence from 2007-2011 was 20cases/100,000 population (Min 11.3, Max 39.9) whilst from 2012-2016 was 11.1cases/100,000 populations (Min 6.3, Max 47.8). A total of 28 significant hotspot sub-districts clusters (p=0.024) were identified with 7 High-high risk areas as potential meningitis outbreak spots.
Conclusion: The occurrence of meningitis is not random, spatial cluster with high –high-risk exist in some sub-districts. Overall meningitis incidence and fatality rate have declined in the region with district variations. Districts with high meningitis incidence and fatality rates should be targeted for intervention.
Keywords: meningitis outbreak, geospatial clustering, Upper East Region, meningitis incidence, Ghana
Funding: Author EA was supported by the West Africa Health Organization (Ref.: Prog/A17IEpidemSurveillN°57212014/mcrt).

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print ISSN: 0016-9560