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The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed a rise in seasonal influenza cases in several regions, with the Greater Accra, Bono, Central and Eastern Regions reporting the highest numbers.
According to GHS, the infections are linked to influenza A strains H3N2 and H1N1, which typically surface during the annual flu season. The surge, they note, coincides with the cooler period of the year when flu transmission is known to increase.
In a statement dated Wednesday, 15 October 2025 and signed by the Acting Director-General, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Service warned that the virus is spreading rapidly in crowded environments including schools, transport hubs and markets.
Symptoms reported so far include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches and fatigue. The GHS says transmission occurs mainly through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or by touching contaminated surfaces.
Children in school, older adults, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease are said to be at higher risk of complications.
The public has been urged to seek medical care promptly if flu-like symptoms appear and to avoid attending public events when unwell. The Service is also advising frequent handwashing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and avoiding close contact with those showing symptoms. The wearing of face masks in busy public spaces has also been recommended.
To manage the outbreak, the GHS says surveillance at health facilities has been stepped up and rapid diagnostic testing activated to speed up detection. Clinicians have been issued revised treatment protocols, and a public awareness drive is underway through media and community outlets.
With schools now reopened, the Service is calling on education authorities, parents and students to strictly observe preventive measures. It says it is working closely with the Ghana Education Service to minimise the risk of spread in classrooms.
Dr Akoriyea said all necessary interventions are being rolled out but stressed that public cooperation remains essential if transmission is to be curbed.
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