The Ministry of Health has assured Ghanaians that no case of Ebola Virus Disease has been recorded in Ghana or anywhere in West Africa despite renewed global concern over an outbreak currently affecting parts of Central and East Africa.
In a public advisory issued on Monday, May 19, and signed by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ministry explained that the ongoing outbreak is limited to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
The advisory follows a global health alert by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which recently declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to fears of possible cross-border transmission.
According to the Ministry, Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease spread through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, organs, or contaminated materials of infected persons.
“Although there have been no reported cases in West Africa, including Ghana, the public is advised to remain calm but vigilant and to adhere to safety precautions strictly,” portions of the advisory stated.
The Ministry urged Ghanaians to observe strict hygiene practices, particularly during public gatherings and social events.
“Individuals must carry their own hand sanitisers and practice good hand hygiene. Event organisers should provide sanitisers and handwashing stations at all events,” the statement added.
Citizens were also advised to wash their hands frequently with soap under running water or use alcohol-based sanitisers regularly. Schools, markets, workplaces, homes, public spaces, and points of entry have additionally been encouraged to maintain adequate handwashing facilities.
The Ministry cautioned the public against spreading rumours or misinformation regarding the disease and urged citizens to rely only on official information from government and health authorities.
It further advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as sudden fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding to report immediately to the nearest health facility for medical attention.
The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service say surveillance, screening, preparedness, and response measures have already been intensified in collaboration with local and international health partners to protect the country from any possible outbreak.
Meanwhile, the WHO says the current Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC’s Ituri province has recorded about 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths so far.
The outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or drugs.
The United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also announced temporary emergency measures, including restrictions on some non-U.S. travellers arriving from outbreak-affected areas in an effort to prevent the spread of the disease
