The Upper West Region has recorded 30 more cerebrospinal meningitis cases in the past two weeks.

This adds to the previous number bringing the total number of cases to 303.

Meanwhile, 44 people have, so far, died from the disease, according to a press statement issued Tuesday by the Upper West Regional Minister, Dr Hafiz Bin Salih.

Majority of the cases are concentrated in Nandom, Jirapa and Nadowli-Kaleo.

The statement said: “Laboratory investigations indicate an increase in the number of cases with the majority of them being caused by Neisseria Meningitides Sero Group X which currently has no vaccine”.

“With an increased risk communication”, the statement said, “individuals now report to health facilities for treatment, which has witnessed a significant reduction in the case fatality associated with the disease.”

According to the minister, the Rapid Response Teams (RRT) at both regional and district levels have intensified monitoring and investigations on all suspected cases and rumours.

The statement urged the general public to drink more water, sleep in well-ventilated areas, cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing and report to the nearest health facilities when experiencing symptoms such as high temperature, fever, stiff neck, as well as headache.