Ministry of Health confirms Yellow Fever outbreak in Upper West Region

The Ministry of Health has officially declared a Yellow Fever outbreak in the Upper West Region following three laboratory-confirmed deaths. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced the development on October 9, 2026, stating that while the situation is serious, it remains under control. The outbreak was identified after reports of symptoms including fever and jaundice emerged in the Sissala West and Wa West districts starting in early September. In response, the Ministry has collaborated with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to activate emergency public health operations and deploy rapid response teams to the affected areas. Nationwide surveillance has identified approximately 450 suspected cases of Yellow Fever across all 16 regions between June and September 2026. The Upper West Region is currently the focal point of the outbreak, accounting for 88 of these suspected cases. Minister Akandoh emphasized that the government is prioritizing diagnostic testing and has already ordered an additional 187,000 vaccine doses to bolster the national stockpile. The Ministry is working to bridge the gap between suspected cases and laboratory confirmation to ensure a precise public health response. To contain the spread, the GHS is set to launch a targeted vaccination campaign next week in the Sissala East, Sissala West, and Wa West districts. Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health at the GHS, confirmed that the exercise will target individuals aged between nine months and 60 years. This intervention is designed to address potential immunity gaps in the local population and prevent further fatalities. Health authorities are also engaging traditional leaders and civil society to help coordinate the rollout. Beyond vaccination, the Ministry is urging the public to adopt rigorous preventive measures, such as eliminating stagnant water and using mosquito repellents. Residents have been advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if they experience symptoms of the disease. Minister Akandoh further cautioned against vaccine-related misinformation, encouraging citizens to rely on official channels for health information and to cooperate fully with medical teams during the upcoming vaccination exercise.