The Ministry of Health has intensified surveillance and screening at the country’s points of entry following reports of Ebola cases in Nigeria and Kenya, warning that frequent air travel between Ghana and the two countries has heightened the risk of importation.
In a press release , the Ministry said Ghana had not recorded any Ebola case but was strengthening its preparedness to ensure the early detection, isolation and effective management of any suspected infection.
The measures follow a report by Kenyan authorities on October 6 of an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
According to the Ministry, six additional cases linked to the initial infection, including cases among healthcare workers, had been reported in Kenya as of October 17.
The Ministry also disclosed that Nigeria reported a confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20, raising concerns about the potential introduction of the virus into Ghana.
It said direct flights and relatively high passenger volumes between Ghana and Kenya, as well as frequent travel between Ghana and Nigeria, had necessitated the strengthening of existing surveillance and screening arrangements, particularly at the airport.
Airport Screening Intensified
The Ministry, working through the Ghana Health Service and other relevant agencies, said it had engaged the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and other stakeholders to improve coordination and preparedness.
Simulation exercises have also been conducted at the Accra International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre to assess the country’s readiness to respond to suspected Ebola cases.
The measures include monitoring travellers arriving from high-risk areas throughout their stay in Ghana, in accordance with established public health protocols.
The Ministry said laboratory preparedness was also being strengthened, including through updates to standard operating procedures, while healthcare workers were being sensitised to improve their ability to identify and manage suspected cases.
Public education and risk communication activities have also been intensified at the airport to inform travellers about Ebola prevention and the steps to take if symptoms develop.
Public Urged to Report Symptoms
The Ministry has urged members of the public to seek prompt medical attention if they develop symptoms consistent with Ebola after travelling to an affected area or coming into contact with a suspected or confirmed case.
It said symptoms typically appear between two and 21 days after exposure, with an average incubation period of eight to 10 days.
The symptoms include high fever, severe headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat and chills. More serious manifestations may include unexplained bleeding and confusion.
The public has been advised to disclose their travel history to healthcare workers if they become ill, particularly within the 21-day monitoring period applicable to travellers from affected areas.
The Ministry also emphasised that Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person, or contaminated materials, and is not airborne.
It urged the public to practise good hand hygiene, avoid contact with people exhibiting unexplained fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding, and refrain from circulating unverified information about the outbreak.
The Ministry said it was working with relevant agencies and partners to protect public health and urged Ghanaians to remain calm, follow official updates and cooperate with public health authorities.
The Bundibugyo virus is one of the viruses known to cause Ebola virus disease. The Ministry’s statement did not indicate that Ghana had recorded a suspected or confirmed case.
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