Health Ministry declares 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 in Sissala West and Wa West. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh confirmed the outbreak on October 9, 2026, stating that while the situation is serious, it is currently under control. The Ministry, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), has activated emergency public health operations and deployed response teams to the affected districts to contain further spread.

Nationwide surveillance has identified approximately 450 suspected cases across 16 regions between June and September 2026. In the Upper West Region, there are 88 suspected cases, with symptoms such as high fever and jaundice first reported on September 9. Although administrative data suggest high vaccination coverage, health experts are investigating potential immunity gaps that may have contributed to this localized cluster of infections. The government has prioritized verifying vaccination records and establishing actual immunity levels among the population in the high-risk zones.

In response to the confirmed cases, the government has ordered 187,000 additional vaccine doses for a targeted campaign scheduled to begin next week. According to Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe of the GHS, the vaccination exercise will focus on Sissala East, Sissala West, and Wa West, targeting individuals aged between nine months and 60 years. Minister Akandoh emphasized that vaccination remains the primary defense against the virus and urged the public to cooperate with health workers while ignoring misinformation regarding vaccine safety.

Beyond vaccination, health authorities are advising residents to adopt preventive measures against mosquito bites, including the use of repellents and the elimination of stagnant water around homes. The Ministry has called on traditional leaders and civil society organizations to assist in disseminating accurate health information. Residents in the Upper West Region are encouraged to report to the nearest health facility immediately if they experience sudden fever or yellowing of the eyes, as early detection is critical for managing the disease.