The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with its relevant agencies and partners, has announced strengthened surveillance and response measures following the confirmation of Ebola cases in neighbouring Nigeria, after earlier reports of outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Kenya.
In a statement issued on October 22 and signed by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ministry disclosed that Kenyan authorities reported an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus on October 6. The case was traced to the DRC. By October 17, six additional cases had been recorded, all linked to the initial case, including some healthcare workers. The Ministry further indicated that Nigerian authorities confirmed an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20.
Although Ghana has not recorded any Ebola cases, the Ministry warned that the outbreak in Kenya poses a significant risk to the country due to direct flight connections between the two nations. The confirmed case in Nigeria has heightened the concern, given the frequent movement of people between Ghana and Nigeria.
In response, the Ministry said it was stepping up existing surveillance and screening measures, particularly at airports, to minimise the risk of the virus entering the country. Since the outbreak was reported in the DRC, the Ministry, through the Ghana Health Service, has undertaken several preparedness measures.
These include engaging key stakeholders such as the Ghana Airports Company Limited and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, intensifying surveillance at points of entry with enhanced airport screening, and conducting simulation exercises at the Accra International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre.
Additional measures being implemented include monitoring travellers arriving from high-risk areas throughout their stay in Ghana, enhancing laboratory preparedness, educating healthcare workers, and intensifying public education and risk communication at airports.
The Ministry explained that Ebola symptoms usually develop between two and 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms include high fever, severe headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat and chills, while later symptoms may include unexplained bleeding and confusion.
It stressed that the virus spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person and is not transmitted through the air. The Ministry urged anyone who develops symptoms after travelling to an affected area to seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare workers of their travel history. Travellers arriving from affected areas will also undergo health monitoring for 21 days.
The public has been advised to maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid contact with individuals experiencing unexplained fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding, and rely on official updates from health authorities for accurate information. The Ministry assured the public that the necessary measures were being taken to safeguard public health. It also called on citizens to remain calm and cooperate with health authorities as the country continues to strengthen its preparedness and response efforts.
