Health directorate alerts as yellow fever outbreak claims seven lives

A confirmed Yellow Fever outbreak in the Sissala East Municipality of the Upper West Region has resulted in the tragic deaths of seven people.

Health authorities confirmed the fatalities following investigations into a series of mysterious deaths reported across several rural communities in the district.

The viral infection, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, prompted local health officials to declare an emergency response.

Sissala East Member of Parliament, Mohammed Issah Bataglia, expressed grave concern over the situation, calling for swift state intervention to halt further spread.

He urged the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to deploy emergency medical teams, vaccines, and essential medical supplies to the affected areas immediately.

The municipal health directorate has commenced contact tracing, community sensitization campaigns, and targeted vaccination exercises to protect vulnerable residents.

Public health officials have advised community members to take precautionary measures, including using mosquito nets, eliminating stagnant water breeding sites, and reporting early symptoms to the nearest health facilities.

Yellow fever symptoms include high fever, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), muscle pain, severe headache, and abdominal pain.

Local health workers continue to monitor suspects and closely collaborate with community leaders to prevent further casualties across neighboring communities.