Seven people have died after a confirmed outbreak of Yellow Fever in the Sissala East Municipality of the Upper West Region.
Children and young people are reportedly among those most severely affected.
The outbreak triggered concern among residents and health authorities, particularly in communities where several deaths have been recorded within a relatively short period.
The Sissala East Health Directorate confirmed the outbreak and is currently monitoring the situation as health officials work to identify cases, trace possible contacts and prevent further spread of the disease.
A Fulani chief in one of the communities said the situation has become extremely disturbing, particularly because of the number of children who have reportedly died.
The chief said residents initially feared that they could be dealing with an unfamiliar or emerging disease after several children fell ill and died.
He said the first known case was taken to a hospital after becoming seriously ill, but the child died shortly after.
“Children are indeed dying here. The first case was reported at the hospital, and the child was referred to the hospital, but he unfortunately died two days later, blood coming out of his nostrils and mouth.”
The chief said the deaths continued to increase, leaving residents increasingly worried and prompting him to raise concerns with health authorities.
“When the number of deaths got to four, I told them it may be a new disease. They promised to check it and report it to their superiors.”
Yellow Fever is a viral disease transmitted primarily through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The disease can cause fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, while severe cases may result in jaundice, bleeding and organ failure.
