Accra (Greater Accra), 22 Jan '99 - Dr Sam Bugri, Director of Public Health of the Ministry of Health, today said the number of reported cases of Cerebro Spinal Menningitis (CSM), from November 1998, has relatively reduced. He said compared to the 111 cases reported in 1997, only 19 cases with six deaths were recorded last year with the Upper East region having the number of highest cases.

Dr Bugri told newsmen in Accra that due to previous experiences of the disease, the ministry has this year set up monitoring teams in all district and regional capitals ''to be on the alert of any sign of CSM to vaccinate the people.'' He said CSM vaccines have already been made available to the districts and regional centres ''to nib imminent cases in the bud so that they do not spread''. Dr Bugri said all health posts are to send weekly reports on the disease ''even if they record zero cases''.