Four people are reported dead out of the nine who tested positive to the meningitis disease in the Lawra District of the Upper West Region in February.

In all, the District recorded twenty-four suspected cases of meningitis; however, the Lawra District Directorate of Health say the situation has not reached an epidemic level and public sensitization on the disease was currently ongoing.

Dr Musheibu Mohammed Alfa, Deputy Upper West Regional Minister and Acting Lawra District Chief Executive (DCE), said this during the first ordinary meeting of the Assembly.

“Let me use this medium to advise our people to visit the nearest health facilities when they have the following symptoms: headache, stiffness of neck and a reaction to light among others, as meningitis can be treated when detected early”, he said.

Dr Alfa said the District has recorded three cases of dog bites; one at Lawra and two at Tuore, adding that the victims were currently undergoing treatment.

He appealed to the Assembly members to sensitize their electorates on the need to have their pets especially dogs vaccinated against rabies where applicable to prevent them from spreading the disease.

“This precaution would help reduce loss of time and resources as well as help halt rabies and other related deaths in the district”, he said.

Dr Alfa said the district mortuary was now functional and it would help reduce the cost associated with transporting the mortal remains of loved ones from morgues outside the District.