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07 Feb 2022 | 11:41 PM UTC

Ghana: Yellow fever activity is ongoing in northern and central regions. Confirm vaccination and avoid mosquito bites. /update 1

Yellow fever activity continues in northern and central Ghana in early 2022. Confirm vaccination; avoid mosquitoes.

Warning

Event

Health officials are responding to an ongoing outbreak of yellow fever in northern and central Ghana, where disease activity has spread to new areas since December and now reportedly encompasses all northern and central regions of the country. While updated data remains limited, cases have been reported in Ahafo, Ashanti, Bono, Eastern, Northern, North East, Oti, Upper East, and Upper West regions. Most cases have occurred in Savannah Region.

Ghana's porous border with Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire highlights the possibility of yellow fever spreading to these neighboring countries. This represents the most complete information available as of Feb. 7.

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. A reactive vaccination campaign was conducted in Savannah Region during December.

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.

Resources

WHO: Yellow Fever - Ghana
US CDC Travel Health Notice: Yellow Fever in Ghana
US Embassy in Accra: Yellow Fever Notice