The Eastern Region has so far recorded a total of 87 meningitis cases this year out of which nine (9 ) have died.

This was disclosed by the Regional Minister Eric Kwakye Darfuor. He was speaking at the launch of 2018 citizens budget in Anyinam.

He said these figures were communicated to him by the Regional Health Directorate on Tuesday (December 11, 2017).

READ ALSO: 17-year-old student laid to rest

The deceased persons include the 16-year-old form two student of the Koforidua Secondary Technical School(SECTEC) who died last Friday at the Regional Government Hospital, Koforidua.

“From January this year till now, 87 meningitis cases have been recorded in the Eastern region, in which 9 deaths have been recorded which includes who died recently.”

The Regional Minister was quick to add that the situation has not reached an epidemic level yet. He gave an assurance that everything is under control.

READ ALSO: Drunkards association of Ghana to hold crucial meeting ahead of Christmas celebration

He has therefore advised residents in the region to heed to health advice by ensuring personal hygiene and reporting to health facilities whenever they experience fever or unusual cold and body weakness for prompt action to be taken.

The development comes at a time four students of the Kumasi Academy in the Ashanti region have died of an outbreak of  Influenza H1N1.