Ghana is not currently experiencing a confirmed Zika virus outbreak. In its May 2026 update, the WHO continues to list the country among the territories where Aedes aegypti is established, but with no known cases demonstrating local transmission of the virus. There is also currently no specific CDC travel notice concerning a Zika outbreak in Ghana.
Evidence of possible previous circulation
Although there is no official confirmation of active transmission, several studies have detected antibodies compatible with previous exposure:
A study involving 236 people with HIV and hepatitis B infections, whose samples were collected in Accra between 2012 and 2014, detected antibodies against Zika virus in approximately 12–13% of participants. No viral RNA was detected, and neutralisation tests confirmed Zika reactivity in only five samples. The authors acknowledged that some of the results may have been caused by cross-reactivity with dengue virus.
In another study involving 160 febrile patients treated in Accra between 2016 and 2017, 33—20.6%—had antibodies against Zika virus. However, neither PCR nor neutralisation tests were performed to confirm the infections, which considerably limits the interpretation of the results.
These two studies are included in the bibliography provided and suggest possible exposure or silent circulation, but they are not sufficient on their own to demonstrate active Zika transmission in Ghana.
Entomological risk
Ghana has abundant populations of mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus:
In Larabanga and the area surrounding Mole National Park, in northern Ghana, 99% of the collected Aedes mosquitoes were Aedes aegypti. Larval indices indicated a high level of risk during the rainy season, although all 75 mosquito pools tested negative for Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses.
In Madina and the Achimota Forest, in the Accra area, Aedes aegypti accounted for 98% of the collected specimens. Entomological indicators showed a high potential capacity for transmission, but Zika virus was not detected in any of the 120 mosquito pools examined.
Studies published in 2025 identified widespread resistance of Aedes aegypti to pyrethroid insecticides, which could hinder vector-control efforts in the event of the virus being introduced.
The recent DENV-1 dengue outbreak in Ghana, with 206 RT-PCR-positive samples among 1,471 suspected cases, demonstrates that ecological conditions and vectors capable of sustaining arbovirus outbreaks are present. However, this finding relates to dengue and does not confirm Zika virus circulation.
Recent signal under investigation
In July 2026, New Zealand reported a probable case of Zika in a person who had travelled to Ghana. The report specifically warns of possible cross-reactivity between flaviviruses and states that the case could be reclassified once the investigations are completed. It is therefore a signal that warrants monitoring, but it does not yet demonstrate that the infection was acquired in Ghana.
Clinical implications and advice for travellers
Most Zika virus infections are asymptomatic. When symptoms occur, they usually include mild fever, rash, conjunctivitis, headache and muscle or joint pain. The main concern is infection during pregnancy, which can cause congenital Zika syndrome, microcephaly, pregnancy loss or premature birth. Neurological complications, including Guillain–Barré syndrome, have also been reported. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment.
Travellers to Ghana are advised to use insect repellent, wear clothing that covers the arms and legs, use mosquito nets, and stay in accommodation with air conditioning or screened windows and doors. Pregnant women and people planning a pregnancy should assess the trip individually and take strict precautions against both mosquito bites and sexual transmission.
Conclusion
Ghana has favourable conditions for Zika virus transmission because of the widespread presence of Aedes aegypti. Serological studies are compatible with previous exposure, and a recent signal has been associated with a traveller; however, no active outbreak or confirmed local transmission has been demonstrated to date. The risk is considered potential and probably underdiagnosed, making continued epidemiological surveillance and mosquito-control measures necessary.
Selected bibliography
Sherman KE, Rouster SD, Kong LX, et al. Zika virus exposure in an HIV-infected cohort in Ghana. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2018;78(5):e35-e38. doi:10.1097/QAI.0000000000001718.
Serological evidence of possible Zika virus exposure among a population in Ghana.
Ankrah GA, Bonney JHK, Agbosu EE, Pratt D, Adiku TK. Serological evidence of Zika virus infection in febrile patients at Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Accra, Ghana. BMC Res Notes. 2019;12(1):326. doi:10.1186/s13104-019-4371-4.
The main clinical study involving febrile patients in Accra; it should be interpreted in light of possible cross-reactivity between flaviviruses.
Joannides J, Dzodzomenyo M, Azerigyik F, et al. Species composition and risk of transmission of some Aedes-borne arboviruses in some sites in Northern Ghana. PLoS One. 2021;16(6):e0234675. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0234675.
An essential reference describing the presence of Aedes aegypti and the entomological risk in northern Ghana.
Akyea-Bobi NE, Akorli J, Opoku M, et al. Entomological risk assessment for transmission of arboviral diseases by Aedes mosquitoes in a domestic and forest site in Accra, Ghana. PLoS One. 2023;18(12):e0295390. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0295390.
Complements the previous study with information on vector-related risk in urban and forest environments in Accra.
Buchwald AG, Hayden MH, Dadzie SK, Paull SH, Carlton EJ. Aedes-borne disease outbreaks in West Africa: a call for enhanced surveillance. Acta Trop. 2020;209:105468. doi:10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105468.
A useful regional review for contextualising Zika virus in Ghana within the circulation of arboviruses in West Africa.
