The Ministry of Health in Ghana has declared a yellow fever outbreak in the Upper West Region. Laboratory tests confirmed three cases of the disease, all resulting in deaths. Investigations into suspected infections reported at health facilities in Sissala West and Wa West since September 9, 2026, led to the confirmation. The cases were verified through tests conducted in Ghana and further confirmed by the WHO-accredited laboratory in Dakar, Senegal.
The declaration was made in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005) and the National Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851). In response to the outbreak, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), activated the National and Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centres. This move aims to coordinate a comprehensive response to the outbreak.
Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to affected communities to conduct case finding, surveillance, and risk communication. The Ministry is preparing for a targeted emergency vaccination campaign in affected and at-risk districts, including Wa West, Sissala West, and Sissala East, scheduled for October 2026. This campaign is part of a broader strategy to contain the outbreak.
Additional measures to combat the outbreak include strengthening case management at designated health facilities, increasing surveillance across the region, and promoting preventive practices. The public is advised to use insecticide repellents and sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets during the day to reduce the risk of infection.
The Ministry has urged the public to report immediately to the nearest health facility if they experience symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or unusual bleeding. Residents are also advised to eliminate stagnant water around their homes and avoid self-medication.
The public has been cautioned against spreading rumors and unverified information. Instead, they are encouraged to rely on official updates from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service. The Ministry has called on traditional and religious leaders, the media, civil society organizations, and the general public to support efforts to contain the outbreak.
The Ministry has assured the public that regular updates will be provided, including information on the vaccination exercise as the situation develops. The collaboration between the Ministry of Health, GHS, and WHO is crucial in addressing the outbreak and preventing further spread of the disease.
Key points
- The Ministry of Health has declared a yellow fever outbreak in the Upper West Region of Ghana after confirming three fatal cases.
- A targeted emergency vaccination campaign is scheduled for October 2026 in affected and at-risk districts.
- The public is urged to report symptoms and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.
