Health Ministry declares Yellow Fever outbreak in Upper West Region

The Ghana Ministry of Health has announced an outbreak of Yellow Fever in several districts within the Upper West Region, following laboratory confirmation of three fatal cases. The declaration, made on October 9, came after reports of suspected cases with fever, jaundice, and bleeding emerged in health facilities from September 9 in Sissala West and Wa West.

Samples were initially tested in-country, with further analysis at a WHO-accredited lab in Dakar, Senegal, confirming the three cases as yellow fever. Despite prompt medical care, all three victims succumbed to the disease. In response to the outbreak, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service and the World Health Organisation, has taken several steps.

This includes activating National and Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centres, deploying Rapid Response Teams for case finding, surveillance, and risk communication, and preparing for an emergency vaccination campaign. The campaign targets affected and at-risk districts, such as Wa West, Sissala West, and Sissala East. Additional measures involve promoting the use of insecticide repellents and bed nets, strengthening case management, enhancing surveillance, and increasing risk communication efforts.

The Ministry advises anyone experiencing sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or unusual bleeding to seek immediate medical attention. It also urges the public to eliminate stagnant water, use insecticide-treated nets and repellents, avoid self-medication, and rely on official health communication. The government has called on all stakeholders to support the national response and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of all Ghanaians.