Ghana
West Africa · Africa · Physician brief
Yellow fever vaccination required for entry
Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers aged 9 months and older, regardless of where they arrive from. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after the dose and is valid for life. Plan vaccination at a Swiss yellow-fever vaccination centre well before departure.
CDC / WHO IHR ↗ · Updated 2026
Mpox (clade II) outbreak — CDC Level 2
Ghana has an active mpox outbreak (clade II); CDC advises enhanced precautions. Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash or mpox-like lesions, and discuss vaccination with your travel medicine specialist if you anticipate higher-risk contact.
CDC Travel Health Notice ↗ · Updated 2026
Meningitis belt — seasonal meningococcal risk
Northern Ghana lies in the African meningitis belt, where meningococcal disease risk peaks in the dry season (December–June). Vaccination (ACWY) is recommended for travelers to affected areas during this period, for longer stays, or with close local contact.
CDC / EKRM ↗ · Updated 2026
Vaccines
Disease-specific guidance
Malaria
HighHigh risk in all regions of Ghana, year-round, including Accra and Kumasi. P. falciparum (the most dangerous species) predominates and is chloroquine-resistant. Chemoprophylaxis plus consistent mosquito-bite prevention is strongly recommended for all travelers.
- Risk
- High, all regions, year-round
- Species
- Mainly P. falciparum (chloroquine-resistant)
- Prophylaxis
- Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
- Prevention
- Chemoprophylaxis + bite protection + bed net
Yellow fever
HighGhana is yellow-fever endemic. Vaccination is required for entry and recommended on health grounds for all travelers aged 9 months and older. See country alert for entry details.
- Entry rule
- Certificate required, age ≥9 months
- Health advice
- Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months
- Validity
- From 10 days after dose; lifelong
Dengue
LowDengue is transmitted year-round by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes. The same bite-prevention measures used for malaria help reduce risk; protection during daylight hours is the key addition.
- Distribution
- Present country-wide
- Mosquito
- Aedes — bites during daytime
- Prevention
- Daytime repellent + clothing
Chikungunya
LowChikungunya circulates in the region and shares the daytime Aedes mosquito vector with dengue, so the same daytime bite-prevention measures apply. Vaccination is considered only in specific outbreak settings (see EKRM statement).
General prevention
Food & water
Strict food and water precautions are essential outside major hotels — use bottled or treated water and eat only thoroughly cooked food. Cholera transmission occurs in several regions (incl. Greater Accra). Avoid contact with fresh water (Lake Volta, rivers) where schistosomiasis is a risk.
Mosquito protection
Aggressive mosquito-bite prevention is essential — malaria risk is high year-round, country-wide. Combine DEET or picaridin repellent, long clothing, and a bed net with chemoprophylaxis. Daytime protection also reduces dengue and chikungunya risk; meningococcal risk peaks in the dry season in the north (December–June).
Sources
Based on CDC Travelers’ Health, CDC Yellow Book, and the Swiss Federal Vaccination Schedule (BAG). Always verify current recommendations before travel.
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This brief is for informational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice.
Consult a travel medicine specialist 4–8 weeks before departure.