Fulani Chief Reports More Than 32 Suspected Yellow Fever Deaths in Sisaala East
More than 32 people have died in communities across the Sisaala East Municipality since September, amid reports of a yellow fever outbreak, Fulbe chief Mahmoud Mumuni says.
Speaking to Info Radio on Friday morning, Mr Mumuni said affected people initially complained of headaches, followed by high fever. He said some victims died within two days of developing severe symptoms.
He also described dark blood coming from the nose and other body openings of some people who died. These symptoms have not been independently confirmed as being linked to yellow fever.
Mr Mumuni said community members reported the cases to health authorities early in September. He added that samples taken from victims by the Ghana Health Service were later confirmed to be yellow fever.
According to the chief, the outbreak began in Fulbe communities in the Sisaala East and Sisaala West areas before spreading to some non-Fulbe communities. He said deaths had initially reached at least two people a day but had since declined.
Health officials are now visiting affected communities and assessing the situation, Mr Mumuni said. He urged the government and health professionals to take steps to limit further infections.
Info Radio contacted officials at the Upper West Regional Health Directorate from Tuesday for comment. The officials declined to comment, saying the situation was still being assessed and that the Ministry of Health would make a public announcement soon.
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