Upper West intensifies yellow fever vaccination as outbreak affects seven districts

Health authorities in the Upper West Region have intensified efforts to contain the spread of yellow fever through a reactive vaccination campaign targeting three districts following an outbreak that has heightened fear and uncertainty among residents.

The campaign, organised by the Upper West Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service, runs from October 14 to 18, 2026, targeting eligible persons aged nine months to 60 years in Wa West, Sissala West and Sissala East districts.

The intervention comes amid growing concerns over the outbreak, which has affected seven of the region’s 11 districts. Out of 450 suspected cases reported nationally, 88 are from the Upper West Region, with three laboratory-confirmed cases reportedly resulting in deaths.

The vaccination exercise is expected to strengthen immunity among eligible populations in the affected districts and help prevent further transmission of the disease.

Health officials are urging residents in the targeted communities to take advantage of the campaign and present themselves for vaccination, stressing the importance of community participation in controlling the outbreak.

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The disease can cause severe illness and, in serious cases, organ failure and death.

Symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea or vomiting, weakness and tiredness. In severe cases, patients may develop yellowing of the eyes or skin, bleeding from the nose and mouth, and organ failure.

The Regional Health Directorate is encouraging the public to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical attention if they develop symptoms consistent with the disease.

The five-day campaign is a critical public health intervention as authorities work to protect vulnerable populations, contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of lives in the Upper West Region.