The Ministry of Health has officially 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.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced the outbreak in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005) and Ghana’s Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).
The declaration follows investigations by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), to establish the cause of the suspected infections and coordinate an emergency public health response.
Yellow Fever Cases Confirmed in Three Districts
According to the Ministry of Health, suspected yellow fever cases involving fever, jaundice and bleeding were first reported on September 9, 2026, in the Sissala West and Wa West districts of the Upper West Region.
Samples collected from suspected patients were initially tested in Ghana before further laboratory confirmation at the WHO-accredited Institut Pasteur laboratory in Dakar, Senegal.
Laboratory results confirmed three yellow fever infections, with all three patients dying despite receiving intensive medical care.
The fatalities have prompted health authorities to intensify disease surveillance, strengthen emergency response measures and prepare a targeted vaccination campaign to prevent further infections.
Ghana Health Service Activates Emergency Response Measures
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service have activated the National and Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centres.
Rapid Response Teams have also been deployed to affected communities to conduct active case finding, improve disease surveillance and educate residents about yellow fever prevention.
Authorities are preparing an emergency yellow fever vaccination campaign scheduled for October 2026. The planned exercise will target residents in Wa West, Sissala West and Sissala East districts.
The vaccination campaign is intended to strengthen community protection and reduce the risk of further transmission in the affected areas.
Additional interventions include improved case management at designated health facilities, enhanced regional surveillance and intensified public education on the symptoms, transmission and prevention of yellow fever.
Yellow Fever Symptoms and Prevention Measures
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The mosquitoes responsible for transmission can bite during the daytime, making personal protection important both indoors and outdoors.
The Ministry of Health has urged residents of affected communities and the wider public to remain alert for symptoms and seek medical attention immediately if they become unwell.
Warning signs include:
- Sudden fever and severe headache.
- Muscle pain and body aches.
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, commonly known as jaundice.
- Unusual bleeding or other concerning symptoms.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to visit the nearest health facility promptly rather than attempting self-medication.
Health authorities have also recommended practical measures to reduce mosquito exposure, including using insecticide repellents, sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets and eliminating stagnant water around homes.
Because yellow fever-carrying mosquitoes may bite during the day, residents are encouraged to use appropriate mosquito protection throughout the day, not only at night.
Ministry Urges Public Cooperation as Vaccination Plans Advance
The Ministry of Health has called on traditional leaders, religious organisations, media institutions, civil society groups and the general public to support efforts to contain the outbreak.
Community members are encouraged to follow official health advisories, cooperate with surveillance teams and obtain information from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring the safety and well-being of people across Ghana.
The Ministry has also pledged to provide regular updates on the outbreak, including further details about the planned emergency yellow fever vaccination campaign as the response progresses.
Residents, particularly those in the affected districts of the Upper West Region, are urged to remain vigilant and follow all public health instructions issued by the relevant authorities.
Source: newsthemegh.com