Ghana has recorded about 450 suspected cases of yellow fever between June and September this year, with health authorities intensifying surveillance and response measures to prevent a potential outbreak.
Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh disclosed this at a health sector update engagement in Accra.
According to the Minister, 74 of the suspected cases were recorded in the Upper West Region, while three confirmed cases have been reported in the Upper East Region.
The development has raised concerns among health authorities, as World Health Organization guidelines consider two or more confirmed cases in a defined area sufficient grounds for declaring an outbreak, depending on the epidemiological context.
The Minister, however, says there is currently no cause for alarm, stressing that the situation is being closely monitored.
“So far, 450 suspected cases have been reported. The cases are being tested for confirmation. Some are even taken outside. We will brief the country properly, so the media should be circumspect with your reports.
“In response, a national response team has been deployed, while isolation centres have been identified and demarcated to support the management of suspected cases should the need arise,” he said.
Although reports have suggested that seven people may have died from the disease, the Health Minister did not confirm the reported fatalities during the engagement.
He is urging the public to remain vigilant and seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms associated with yellow fever.
Yellow fever is a serious but vaccine-preventable viral disease, transmitted mainly through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which are active during the day.
The virus is maintained in cycles involving mosquitoes and infected humans or primates. It does not spread directly from person to person through casual contact.
The Ministry of Health says it will continue to strengthen surveillance, monitor suspected cases and coordinate the national response to prevent further spread.
By Sarah Apenkroh
