The Ministry of Health has declared a yellow fever outbreak in affected districts of Ghana’s Upper West Region following laboratory confirmation of three cases, all of which resulted in death.
The declaration was made by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh in line with the International Health Regulations (2005) and the National Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).
It follows investigations conducted by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Suspected cases presenting with fever, jaundice and bleeding were first reported from 9 September 2026 in Sissala West and Wa West districts.
Samples were initially tested in-country before further confirmation at the WHO-accredited Institute Pasteur laboratory in Dakar, Senegal. The three confirmed yellow fever cases proved fatal despite aggressive clinical management.
In response, the Ministry and GHS have activated the National and Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centres and deployed Rapid Response Teams to affected communities for active case finding, enhanced surveillance and risk communication. Authorities are preparing a targeted emergency vaccination campaign this October covering Wa West, Sissala West and Sissala East districts.
Additional measures include promoting the use of insecticide repellents and insecticide-treated bed nets (including during daytime hours), strengthening case management at designated health facilities, heightening regional surveillance, and intensifying community engagement and risk communication activities.
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes that primarily bite during the day.
“The public is advised to seek immediate medical care at the nearest health facility if they experience sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or unusual bleeding. Residents are also urged to eliminate stagnant water around homes, use insecticide-treated nets and repellents, avoid self-medication, and rely solely on official information from the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service,” the statement read.
The Ministry has called on traditional and religious leaders, the media, civil society and all citizens to support the national response.
It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of every person in Ghana and pledged regular updates, including details on the vaccination campaign as the situation evolves.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
