The Ministry of Health has officially declared an outbreak of Yellow Fever across several districts in the Upper West Region following the confirmed deaths of three patients.
Surveillance teams first flagged suspected cases presenting with fever, jaundice, and unusual bleeding on 9 September 2026 in the Sissala West and Wa West districts. Initial testing carried out locally was later confirmed by the World Health Organisation accredited Institute Pasteur laboratory in Dakar, Senegal. Despite aggressive medical intervention, all three individuals succumbed to the virus.
In response to the laboratory confirmations, the Health Minister, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh (MP), formally declared the outbreak under the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005) and the National Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).
Public health authorities have activated both National and Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centres to coordinate containment efforts. Rapid Response Teams have already been deployed to affected communities to conduct active case searching, strengthen surveillance, and manage risk communications.
To curb further transmission, the government is preparing a targeted emergency vaccination campaign scheduled to take place later this month across the Wa West, Sissala West, and Sissala East districts. Health facilities in the region have also received support to strengthen case management and maintain heightened surveillance.
Yellow Fever is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes that primarily bite during daytime hours. Health officials have urged members of the public to seek immediate medical attention if they experience sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or unexplained bleeding. Residents are further advised to eliminate stagnant water around their homes, sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets, use mosquito repellents, and strictly avoid self-medication.
“The Ministry calls on traditional and religious leaders, the media, civil society, and all citizens to support the national response,” stated Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, adding that the government remains fully committed to protecting the health of every citizen and will provide regular public updates as vaccination plans roll out.
Citizens are advised to rely solely on official communications from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, and to refrain from spreading unverified rumours.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
