Health Ministry declares Yellow Fever outbreak in Upper West Region
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), has declared a Yellow Fever outbreak in affected districts of the Upper West Region after laboratory tests confirmed three cases, all of which resulted in deaths.
In a statement issued on October 9, the Ministry said the outbreak followed reports of suspected cases involving patients who presented with fever, jaundice and bleeding at health facilities in Sissala West and Wa West from September 9.
Initial tests were conducted in Ghana, while further analysis at a WHO-accredited laboratory in Dakar, Senegal, confirmed that three of the cases were caused by Yellow Fever. All three patients died despite intensive treatment by health professionals.
Acting in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005) and the National Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has formally declared an outbreak in the affected districts.
The Ministry, through the GHS, has activated the National and Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centres and dispatched Rapid Response Teams to affected communities to strengthen case detection, surveillance and public risk communication.
It is also preparing to launch a targeted emergency vaccination campaign in affected and high-risk districts, including Wa West, Sissala West and Sissala East, during October.
Additional measures include encouraging the use of insect repellents and insecticide-treated mosquito nets, strengthening case management at designated health facilities, intensifying surveillance across the region and expanding public education and community engagement.
The Ministry has urged anyone experiencing sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or unusual bleeding to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.
It has also advised the public to clear stagnant water around their homes, use insecticide-treated nets and mosquito repellents, avoid self-medication and follow only official updates from the Ministry and the Ghana Health Service.
The Ministry called on traditional and religious leaders, media organisations, civil society groups and the public to support efforts to contain the outbreak. It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of everyone in Ghana.
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