Main health risks for Ghana

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

Malaria affects the whole country; strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3 classification). Malaria is one of the main causes of mortality in Ghana. The symptoms of this mosquito-borne disease include fever, chills, headache, and nausea.

Yellow fever is endemic in the country and several cases have been recorded in 2011 throughout the country. This viral hemorrhagic fever is transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

Ghana had its first case of avian flu in 2007 within a poultry breeding farm located in Tema, 20 km far from Accra.

There are cases of animal rabies in the country.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

At least two people died of anthrax in the Upper East Region in June 2009.

Health authorities have issued cholera alerts in several areas of the country, especially in the northern regions. In order to minimize risks, it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly before meals and to use uncontaminated water.

The risk of bilharziosis is particularly high after the rain season, on the shores of Lake Volta, close to Accra, in the east and in the west of the country. Due to that risk, travelers are advised not to bathe in fresh waters (lake, rivers) or walk barefoot.

In 2003, 6 cases of poliomyelitis have been reported in Ghana. This disease that causes paralysis and may lead to death is transmitted by contaminated food or water.

Diarrheal diseases, including cholera, are common among travelers who do not take precautions.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

According to UNAIDS, the national HIV prevalence of Ghana is 1.9% (2007) and there are approximately 260 000 men, women and children living with HIV in Ghana. HIV is regularly associated with an increase in the number of tuberculosis cases.

Health officials recorded an increase in leprosy cases in the Volta Region. The cases increased from 73 in 2009 to 120 in 2010.

Cases of meningitis are regularly reported in Ghana. Outbreaks usually occur from the end of November to the end of March. Meningococcal meningitis is a disease characterized by sudden fever, intense headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck and a rash. The fatality rate is usually 5-15 percent. Transmission occurs by inhaling the bacteria, direct mouth-to-mouth contact with an infected person or contamination by an infected person's nasal secretions. It is recommended to get vaccinated before travelling.