Yellow fever is an acute viral infection transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. It is endemic and epidemic in several countries in Africa, South America and Caribbean Islands. Case fatality rate is high in classic yellow fever epidemics. There is no curative medical treatment but however highly preventable by vaccination.
In accordance with the International Health Regulations IHR2005 which involves the below:
- Article 36(Certification of vaccination or other prophylaxis)
- Annex 6(Vaccination, prophylaxis and related certificates)
- Annex 7(Requirements concerning vaccination or prophylaxis for specific diseases)
All travellers above nine(9) months old coming into Ghana are required to have been vaccinated against Yellow fever at least Ten days before the proposed date of travel and where already vaccinated the duration of the vaccination status should not be more than Ten years before entering Ghana.
Ghana is one of the countries at the risk of Yellow Fever transmission, hence the need for all travellers (including those coming from countries with no risk to yellow fever) to Ghana to have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate or records indicating their protection from yellow fever.
As a result, Health officials at all ports of entry carry out vigorous checks on travel documents with respect to Yellow fever vaccination certificates in accordance with Article 36 and Annex 6 as depicted above.
