Ghana's Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has confirmed three cases of yellow fever in the Upper West Region, with all cases resulting in deaths. The confirmation follows laboratory tests conducted at the Institut Pasteur in Dakar, Senegal, a World Health Organisation (WHO)-accredited laboratory. According to the Minister, the cases were confirmed out of 450 suspected cases reported in the region.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) will begin a mass vaccination campaign in the affected region next week to contain the outbreak. The campaign will target people aged nine months to 60 years. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the GHS and the WHO, has declared an outbreak in the affected districts of the Upper West Region following the laboratory confirmation.
The WHO describes yellow fever as an acute viral disease transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The disease occurs mainly in tropical areas of Africa and South America and can cause outbreaks, particularly in populations with low vaccination coverage. The disease has an incubation period of three to six days.
Initial symptoms of yellow fever include fever, headache, muscle pain, backache, nausea, vomiting, and weakness. These symptoms often subside within three to four days. However, about 15 per cent of infected people develop a severe form of the disease, which may involve the return of high fever, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), bleeding, kidney and liver damage, and other serious complications.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for yellow fever; medical care focuses on managing symptoms and complications, with early supportive treatment improving the chances of survival. Vaccination remains the most effective means of prevention, with a single dose providing lifelong protection for most people.
The WHO recommends measures to reduce exposure to infected mosquitoes, including eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, covering water storage containers, wearing protective clothing, and using mosquito repellents. People who develop fever or other symptoms associated with yellow fever must seek prompt medical attention and inform health professionals of their symptoms and possible exposure.
The Ministry of Health has advised that yellow fever is not transmitted through direct person-to-person contact and has urged the public to remain calm while observing the necessary preventive measures. The response to the outbreak includes measures to contain the outbreak and protect communities at risk.
Key points
- All three yellow fever cases confirmed in Ghana's Upper West Region resulted in deaths.
- A mass vaccination campaign will be conducted in the affected region to contain the outbreak.
- The WHO recommends measures to reduce exposure to infected mosquitoes to prevent the spread of yellow fever.
