03 Dec 2021 | 04:40 AM UTC
Ghana: Yellow fever outbreak reported in northwest and central regions. Mass vaccination campaigns ongoing. Avoid mosquito bites.
Yellow fever activity spreads to new areas of northwest and central Ghana Dec. 2021. Confirm vaccination; avoid mosquitoes.
Event
The Ghanaian Ministry of Health and the WHO are responding to an ongoing outbreak of yellow fever in northwest and central Ghana, with reports of 202 suspected cases, including 70 confirmed, Oct. 15-Nov. 27. Cases have occurred in Bono East, Oti, Savannah, and Upper West regions. Officials identified most cases of this outbreak in North Gonja and West Gonja districts, Savannah Region. Authorities expressed concerns over the Savannah Region's porous border with Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire, highlighting the possibility of yellow fever spreading further into these countries. Mosquito population control measures are ongoing alongside a mass vaccination campaign. This represents the most complete information available as of Dec. 2.
Context
This outbreak represents the first known yellow fever transmission reported in Ghana since 2016. Official estimates from the WHO indicate Ghana possesses a high population immunity against yellow fever (roughly 88-percent); however, pockets of unvaccinated people remain at risk for infection and further disease spread.
Yellow fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most infected individuals have no illness or only mild illness. Symptoms typically include fever, muscle pain, backaches, and chills. However, about 15 percent of people develop serious illness that can lead to potentially fatal bleeding and organ failure. Symptoms typically appear 3-6 days after being bitten but can develop up to 9 days after exposure.
Advice
Consult a travel medicine provider about the need for yellow fever vaccination. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen products if yellow fever is suspected, as these could exacerbate bleeding tendencies associated with the disease.
