Ghana declares yellow fever outbreak in parts of Upper West Region
Story by: Regina Bless
The Ministry of Health has officially declared a yellow fever outbreak in affected districts of the Upper West Region following laboratory confirmation of three cases, all of which resulted in deaths.
In a press release, the Ministry said the outbreak was confirmed through investigations conducted by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to the statement, suspected cases involving fever, jaundice and bleeding were reported at health facilities in Sissala West and Wa West from September 9, 2026, prompting a public health investigation.
Samples were initially tested in Ghana before further laboratory analysis at the WHO-accredited Institute Pasteur in Dakar, Senegal, confirmed three yellow fever cases. The Ministry noted that all three patients died despite efforts by health professionals to manage their conditions.
Following the confirmation, the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, declared an outbreak in the affected districts in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005) and Ghana’s National Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).
Government Intensifies Emergency Response
The Ministry, through the Ghana Health Service, has activated national and regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centres and deployed Rapid Response Teams to affected communities to strengthen surveillance, identify suspected cases and improve public awareness.
The government is also preparing a targeted emergency vaccination campaign for affected and at-risk districts, including Wa West, Sissala West and Sissala East, during October.
Other measures include strengthening case management at designated health facilities, intensifying surveillance across the region, promoting the use of mosquito repellents and insecticide-treated bed nets, and increasing community engagement and risk communication.
Public Urged to Observe Preventive Measures
The Ministry has urged the public to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or unusual bleeding.
Residents have also been advised to eliminate stagnant water around their homes, use mosquito repellents and insecticide-treated nets, and avoid self-medication.
The Ministry further cautioned the public against spreading rumours or unverified information, urging citizens to rely on official updates from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service.
Traditional and religious leaders, the media, civil society organisations and the general public have been called upon to support the national response and help raise awareness about prevention.
The Ministry assured Ghanaians that it would continue to provide updates on the outbreak, including details of the planned vaccination exercise, as the situation develops.
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The declaration highlights the importance of early detection, effective surveillance, vaccination and public cooperation in containing the outbreak and preventing further loss of life.