The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has assured Ghanaians that the yellow fever outbreak is under control, urging the public to remain calm as health authorities strengthen disease surveillance, investigation and vaccination efforts across the country.
Speaking during a media briefing on the outbreak, the minister disclosed that 450 suspected yellow fever cases had been recorded across Ghana’s 16 regions, including 88 suspected cases in the Upper West Region. Of the cases reported in the region, three have been confirmed by the reference laboratory at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.
According to the Health Minister, the government is working with the Ghana Health Service and other relevant health institutions to contain the outbreak, improve disease monitoring and protect communities at risk.
Upper West Region Records 88 Suspected Yellow Fever Cases
Health authorities have reported suspected yellow fever infections in several districts and communities across the Upper West Region.
The reported distribution includes Wa West with 27 cases, Sissala West with 23, Sissala East with 21, Efiama Msua Busa with seven, Nadowli-Kaleo with one, Wa East with one and Wa West Municipal with one. Seven additional cases were reported in the Funsi area.
Authorities are also investigating reports of deaths in connection with the outbreak. However, officials have stressed that such deaths cannot be conclusively attributed to yellow fever without appropriate laboratory confirmation.
The Ghana Health Service continues to monitor suspected infections and conduct investigations to establish the extent of the outbreak and guide public health interventions.
Government Expands Yellow Fever Vaccination Campaign
Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced that the government is expanding yellow fever vaccination beyond routine childhood immunisation to cover people aged nine months to 60 years in affected areas.
He further revealed that an additional 187,000 vaccine doses had been requested to support the vaccination exercise.
According to the minister, vaccination teams are preparing to commence the campaign in the Upper West Region as part of broader efforts to prevent further infections and strengthen community protection against the disease.
The government has urged eligible residents in affected communities to cooperate with health workers and participate in the vaccination campaign.
Ghana Health Service Explains Yellow Fever Transmission and Symptoms
The Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, explained that yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
He clarified that the disease does not spread directly from one person to another through ordinary contact.
Common symptoms of yellow fever include fever, headache, body pains and abdominal discomfort. In severe cases, patients may develop bleeding and other serious complications that require urgent medical attention.
Health officials advise anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with yellow fever, particularly in an affected area, to seek prompt medical assessment.
Public Urged to Prevent Mosquito Bites
As part of efforts to reduce yellow fever transmission, the Ghana Health Service is encouraging residents to take practical steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Recommended preventive measures include:
- Using mosquito repellents to reduce exposure to infected mosquitoes.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, especially in mosquito-prone areas.
- Sleeping under mosquito nets and using appropriate mosquito-control measures.
- Following vaccination guidance issued by health authorities.
- Seeking medical attention when experiencing symptoms associated with yellow fever.
Health officials have also advised the public to remain vigilant because mosquitoes responsible for transmitting yellow fever may be active during the day.
Health Minister Warns Against Misinformation
Minister Akandoh has cautioned the public against spreading misinformation and unsubstantiated conspiracy theories about yellow fever vaccines.
He encouraged residents to rely on official updates from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service and to follow the advice of qualified healthcare professionals.
The government says continued public cooperation, effective disease surveillance, mosquito-bite prevention and vaccination will be important in containing the outbreak and protecting public health.
Ghanaians are therefore encouraged to obtain accurate information from authorised health institutions and participate in vaccination activities when eligible.
Source: newsthemegh.com