Health authorities in the Sissala East Municipality of Ghana’s Upper West Region have confirmed yellow fever in the area following a series of deaths among members of the Fulbe community.
The development followed reports of about 21 deaths among Fulbe residents over a period of several weeks, prompting health officials to investigate the possible cause.
The Sissala East Municipal Health Directorate collected blood samples from some of the affected cases and sent them to the national laboratory in Accra for analysis.
According to the Municipal Director of Health Services, Clifford Vengkumwini, four samples were initially submitted for testing, with one returning positive for yellow fever.
He said the result established yellow fever as the probable cause of the deaths, although authorities were conducting further tests to determine whether the other reported cases were also linked to the disease. Six additional samples had subsequently been collected for analysis.
The deaths had earlier caused concern within the Fulbe community, with community leaders calling for urgent investigations after several people reportedly died with similar symptoms.
Chief Mahamud Mumuni Tina, head of the Fulbe community in Sissala East, had previously expressed concern about the situation and appealed to health authorities to establish what was responsible for the deaths.
Following the laboratory confirmation, health officials began a response that included sensitising clinicians to identify and manage suspected yellow fever cases.
Authorities in Accra were also expected to determine whether a vaccination exercise would be carried out across the affected area or targeted at specific groups.
The Municipal Health Directorate has further indicated that suspected cases have been recorded in neighbouring Sissala West and Wa West areas, raising concerns that the situation may extend beyond Sissala East.
Health officials have explained that yellow fever is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes and is not spread directly from person to person. They have therefore advised residents to take measures to reduce mosquito bites.
Residents have been encouraged to sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets and take other appropriate precautions while health authorities continue their assessment.
The confirmation has provided an important lead in investigations into the deaths, but health officials have cautioned that further laboratory testing is needed before determining whether yellow fever was responsible for all the reported cases.
The Fulbe community has welcomed the involvement of health authorities and called for swift intervention to prevent further loss of lives.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm while investigations and the public health response continue.
Source: Thepressradio.com
