Fear has gripped parts of the Sissala East Municipality in the Upper West Region following reports of sudden and unexplained deaths, particularly among members of the Fulbe community.

The reported deaths, some said to have occurred at health facilities including Nabugujan and the Sissala East Municipal Hospital, have heightened anxiety across the municipality, especially in communities near the Burkina Faso border.

The cause of the reported deaths remains unknown, as health authorities intensify investigations.

Fulbe Chief of Sissala East, Mr. Amidu Tiina, said he had received distress calls from several communities about what residents described as sudden deaths linked to an unidentified illness.

According to the chief, more than 30 deaths have been reported to him by members of the Fulbe community. He said the reports prompted him to engage stakeholders in the municipality and seek the intervention of health authorities.

He disclosed that health officials had engaged community representatives through sensitisation programmes and had also collaborated with them to collect samples for laboratory testing at the national level.

The Municipal Health Director, Mr. Veng Clifford, confirmed that the reports had come to the attention of the Municipal Health Directorate and had been communicated to the regional and national health authorities.

He said investigations were underway to determine the cause of the reported illness and identify appropriate measures to prevent further loss of life.

Mr. Clifford also emphasised the importance of the strong collaboration between health authorities and the Fulbe community in addressing the situation.

The Landlord of Tumu, Baba Tommie Kanton, said his attention had also been drawn to the reports and that he had brought the matter to the attention of the Municipal Health Director.

Meanwhile, some health facilities in communities along the Burkina Faso border are reportedly recording increased attendance, particularly among Fulbe residents.

A health official who spoke on condition of anonymity attributed the development partly to heightened fear, saying some residents were reporting to health facilities even after experiencing minor health disturbances.

Health authorities are yet to establish or publicly announce the cause of the reported deaths.

Residents are therefore encouraged to remain calm, seek medical attention when unwell and rely on verified information from health authorities as investigations continue.

Source: Ayamga Bawa Fatawu