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HEALTH

Yellow fever outbreak claims seven lives in Sissala East

At least seven people have died following a confirmed yellow fever outbreak in the Sissala East Municipality of the Upper West Region, with children and young people reportedly among the worst affected.

Date Created : 10/7/2026 12:00:00 AM : Story Author : Theresa Workartey/ Ghanadistricts.com

The Sissala East Municipal Health Directorate has confirmed the outbreak and is monitoring the situation as health authorities work to identify suspected cases, trace possible contacts and prevent further spread.

The development has raised concern among residents, particularly in communities where several sudden deaths have been recorded within a relatively short period.

Earlier reports indicated that about 21 Fulbe persons had died under circumstances described by residents as mysterious, prompting investigations by the Municipal Health Directorate.

Four blood samples were initially sent to the national laboratory in Accra, with one testing positive for yellow fever. Additional samples were subsequently taken to establish whether other deaths were also linked to the disease.

The reports of the seven deaths are separate from the earlier figure of 21 suspected or unexplained fatalities, which health authorities were investigating; therefore, the two figures should not be treated as equivalent confirmed yellow fever deaths.

According to reports from affected communities, some of the victims were children and young people. Residents described cases involving high fever and bleeding from the nose and mouth, with some patients reportedly deteriorating rapidly after becoming ill.

The Member of Parliament for Sissala East, Mohammed Issah Bataglia, has expressed concern over the situation and called for urgent action to prevent further loss of life. He said he contacted the Municipal Health Directorate after receiving reports of deaths from community leaders.

Reports indicate that health authorities have also begun sensitising clinicians on the identification and management of suspected yellow fever cases to improve early detection and referral.

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted mainly through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, body pains, nausea, vomiting and weakness. Severe cases can develop jaundice, bleeding, organ failure and shock.

Health authorities have therefore urged residents to reduce exposure to mosquitoes by eliminating stagnant water and other breeding sites, using mosquito repellents and protective clothing, and seeking medical attention promptly when symptoms develop.

The Sissala East Municipal Health Director has also advised residents to take measures to prevent mosquito bites, including the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, while the national health authorities assess the situation and determine the appropriate response, including possible vaccination interventions.

Health officials have stressed the importance of early detection, laboratory confirmation, public education and prompt response to contain the outbreak and protect communities across the municipality.

The situation is also being closely watched because suspected cases have reportedly been recorded in neighbouring Sissala West and Wa West, raising concerns about the possibility of wider transmission in parts of the Upper West Region.

Residents have consequently been urged to remain calm, cooperate with health authorities and report suspected cases promptly to the nearest health facility.