Tamale, March 22, GNA - The Ghana Health Service in the Northern Region has recorded 16 deaths of cerebrum spinal meningitis (CSM) this year out of 95 cases reported at the various health facilities across the region.

This brings to 235, the total number of deaths so far from 2004 to 2011. Forty-four deaths were recorded in 2004, 16 in 2005, 27 in 2006, 22 in 2007, 46 in 2008, 27 in 2009, 37 in 2010. Dr. Akwasi Twumasi, Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, told the GNA on Tuesday that the reduction was as a result of the intermittent rainfall in the region. He said people were also educated and reported early to health facilities for treatement.

Dr. Twumasi said the Northern Region had for now recorded no case of cholera adding that the region was experiencing favourable weather patterns which was not favourable to the cholera virus. He said parts of the region were experiencing hot weather with high temperatures that could kill any cholera germ.

Dr. Twumasi appealed to people to keep their surroundings clean to avoid the outbreak of the disease especially as the region gradually enters the rainy season where the virus could survive longer and infect people. 22 March 11