The Ministry of Health has issued a public alert following recent outbreaks of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, assuring Ghanaians that no suspected or confirmed case has been recorded in the country.
Ebola Virus Disease is a rare but severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus. The disease spreads through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces linked to infected persons or animals.
Symptoms usually include fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.
In a press release, the Health Ministry said updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC indicate that “confirmed and suspected cases have recently been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.”
It stressed, however, that “Ghana has not recorded any suspected or confirmed case.”
The Health Ministry disclosed that it is collaborating with international health partners to strengthen Ghana’s preparedness and response systems against any possible spread of the disease.
According to the statement, authorities have “activated precautionary measures nationwide” to enhance the country’s readiness.
Measures currently being implemented include enhanced surveillance and screening at airports, seaports and land borders, as well as increased monitoring of travellers arriving from affected countries.
The Health Ministry added that health workers are being trained and equipped “to identify, isolate and manage suspected cases safely,” while public health emergency coordination and rapid response systems have also been activated.
Public education and community awareness campaigns are also being intensified across the country.
The Health Ministry urged the public to remain calm and adhere to preventive measures, including regular handwashing, avoiding direct contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, and reporting suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility immediately.
It also advised against handling dead bodies without proper protection and cautioned the public to avoid handling or eating sick or dead wild animals.
