Ghanaian health authorities are urging the public to strictly observe precautionary measures following a confirmed outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Ethiopia.
The advisory comes from the Ghana Health Service (GHS), which issued a statement announcing intensified preventive actions in response to the outbreak and Ghana’s frequent travel connections with Ethiopia.
In the statement, the GHS explained that surveillance has been significantly heightened at all points of entry to ensure the swift detection of any suspected cases.
It added that alerts have been circulated to all regions and health facilities across the country, directing them to strengthen monitoring and preparedness. Public health emergency response structures have also been reactivated, while the Service collaborates with One Health partners such as the Veterinary Services Directorate and the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission to enhance early detection and coordinated response efforts.
The GHS emphasised that, although the government is boosting national preparedness, strict adherence to personal preventive measures by the public remains essential, particularly as there is currently no vaccine for Marburg Virus Disease.
The Service encouraged the public to regularly wash their hands with soap under running water or use alcohol-based sanitizers to maintain good hand hygiene. Individuals are advised to avoid direct contact with anyone who appears unwell or shows symptoms such as bleeding, fever, or bloody diarrhea.
It can also The GHS also cautioned against touching animals, especially bats and monkeys, that exhibit signs of unexplained bleeding.
It urged anyone experiencing symptoms including fever, bloody diarrhoea, bleeding from the gums, bleeding beneath the skin, bleeding into the eyes, or passing blood in urine—to promptly report to the nearest health facility.
Marburg Virus Disease has an incubation period of two to twenty-one days and spreads from animals to humans, as well as through direct human-to-human contact. Ethiopia has so far recorded nine confirmed cases and three deaths.
The Ghana Health Service assured the public that robust surveillance and response measures are in place and that it will continue to monitor the situation closely as it evolves.
