An autopsy report released by the Ghana Health Service in the Ashanti region into the death of four students of the Kumasi Academy Senior High School (KUMACA) has revealed that they died of meningitis.
This followed days of speculation that the students died out of food poisoning, forcing parents and guardians to withdraw their wards from the school.
After days of investigation, the report which was read out by the Ashanti regional minister, Simon Osei Mensah indicated that a thorough research was done to arrive at this conclusion.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, the minister said “there have been several explanations to account for the sad event but I want to assure you that an answer has been found to give meaning to the demise of the students.
“Through the collaborative effort of experts from the Ghana Health Services at the district, regional and national levels together with an experience colleague from the Komfo Anokye teaching hospital and the school of Medical Sciences, we can propose the cause of these deaths as meningitis.”
The minister further indicated that “following the report of these deaths to the health sector, a detailed investigation has been established to put in the appropriate methods to contain the situation.
“With an established case situation definition, we have had 26 suspected cases with 4 deaths. However it must be stated that there was virtually no case reported after March 31 though surveillance has been sustained.
“We will continue to keep a close eye on the situation so that cases can be detected and managed appropriately.”
He said to contain the situation especially amongst students, every Secondary school would be assigned a hospital to monitor them so early detection can be managed immediately.
By Martin Asiedu-Dartey|3news.com|Ghana
