Yellow fever outbreaks point to immunisation gaps – Samuel Arthur

The government has deployed a National Rapid Response Team to the Upper West Region in response to a suspected and confirmed yellow fever outbreak. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh stated that the Upper West Region is receiving special attention due to the confirmation of cases in the area. At a Ministry of Health update engagement in Accra, Akandoh mentioned that designated sections of district hospitals have been isolated to manage suspected and confirmed cases.

Surveillance has been heightened, and laboratories have been equipped with reagents for testing and confirming suspected cases.

As of the previous day, there were approximately 450 suspected cases from June to September, with 74 reported from the Upper West Region and three confirmed cases originating from the same area. The Minister urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with health authorities as the necessary measures are taken to control the disease and prevent further spread.

Akandoh assured the public that response measures have been activated to manage the situation. The National Rapid Response Team was deployed specifically to the northern part of the country, focusing on the Upper West Region, where cases have been detected.