The Ministry of Health has stepped up national preparedness and surveillance measures following reports of new Ebola virus disease cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, and Nigeria.
The move aims to prevent any potential importation of the virus, ensure early detection, prompt isolation, and effective management of any suspected cases across the country.
According to an official statement signed by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Kenya reported an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus from the DRC on October 6, 2026. As of October 17, six additional cases, including healthcare workers, were confirmed.
Nigeria also recorded a confirmed case in its Federal Capital Territory on October 20.
The sector minister noted that although Ghana has not recorded any Ebola case, the situation in Kenya and Nigeria presents a significant risk to the country due to direct flights, higher passenger traffic, and frequent travel between the nations.
“This has necessitated strengthening existing surveillance and screening measures, especially at the airport,” Kwabena Mintah Akandoh stated.
As part of the response measures, the Ministry, through the Ghana Health Service, has engaged key stakeholders, including the Ghana Airports Company Limited and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, to enhance coordination. Simulation exercises have also been conducted at the Kotoka International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre to test readiness.
Health authorities are currently tracking and monitoring travellers arriving from high-risk regions for 21 days in line with public health protocols, alongside enhancing laboratory preparedness and updating standard operating procedures.
The Ministry advised the public to remain calm, practise strict hand hygiene, and avoid contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, fatigue, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding.
Members of the public have also been urged to rely solely on official health updates and refrain from spreading unverified information.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
