The Ministry of Health, working through the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO), wishes to inform the public that laboratory investigations have confirmed an outbreak of Yellow Fever in some affected districts in the Upper West Region.
Background
Following reports of suspected cases presenting with fever, jaundice, and bleeding in our facilities from 9th September 2026 in Sissala West and Wa West, through our surveillance system, the GHS initiated a public health investigation. Samples were initially tested in-country. Further testing at the WHO-accredited laboratory in Dakar, Senegal (Institut Pasteur), confirmed 3 cases of yellow fever. All three cases resulted in deaths despite aggressive management by our health staff in those facilities.
Declaration
In line with the International Health Regulations (2005) and the National Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), the Minister for Health hereby declares a Yellow Fever outbreak in the affected districts in the Upper West Region
Government Response so far
- The Ministry, through the Ghana Health Service, has taken the following measures:
- Activation of the National and Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centres.
- Deployment of Rapid Response Teams (RRT) to affected communities for case finding, surveillance, and Risk Communication
- Preparing for a targeted emergency vaccination campaign in affected and at-risk districts (Wa West, Sissala West and Sissala East) this month of October.
- Promoted the use of insecticide repellents and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets during the day
- Strengthening of case management at designated health facilities.
- Heightened surveillance across the region.
- Intensified risk communication and community engagement activities in the affected districts and the region in general.
What you need to know about yellow fever
Yellow Fever is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes that bite mostly during the day.
The public is advised to:
- Report to the nearest health facility immediately if you experience sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or unusual bleeding.
- Eliminate stagnant water around homes
- Use insecticide-treated nets and mosquito repellents.
- Avoid self-medication.
- Rely only on official communication from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service.
Please do not spread rumours or unverified information.
The Ministry calls on traditional and religious leaders, the media, civil society, and all citizens to support the national response. Government remains committed to protecting the health and well-being of every person in Ghana and will provide regular updates, including when vaccination will be carried out in the affected districts, as the situation evolves.
