The Ministry of Health has announced enhanced surveillance and preparedness measures following reports of Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya and Nigeria.
In a press release signed by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ministry said Ghana had not recorded any Ebola case but was strengthening its capacity to prevent the importation of the disease, ensure early detection and provide prompt treatment for suspected cases.
According to the Ministry, Kenyan authorities reported an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus on October 6, 2026.
The case was linked to the outbreak in the DRC.
As of October 17, Kenyan authorities had reported six additional cases linked to the initial case, including infections among healthcare workers.
The Ministry further stated that Nigerian authorities reported a confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20.
It said the developments had heightened concerns about the potential risk of the disease reaching Ghana, particularly because of frequent air travel between Ghana and Kenya, as well as regular travel between Ghana and Nigeria.
The Ministry said the Ghana Health Service, working with other relevant agencies and partners, had intensified measures to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response systems.
The measures include engagement with the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and other stakeholders to improve coordination and readiness.
Surveillance at points of entry, particularly at airports, has also been enhanced, while simulation exercises have been conducted at the Accra International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre to assess the country’s ability to respond to suspected cases.
The Ministry said travellers arriving from high-risk areas would be followed up throughout their stay in Ghana in accordance with public health protocols.
Other interventions include strengthening laboratory preparedness, updating standard operating procedures, sensitising healthcare workers on the identification and management of suspected cases, and providing public education at the airport.
The Ministry said symptoms of Ebola virus disease typically develop between two and 21 days after exposure, with an average incubation period of eight to 10 days.
Symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat and chills.
Later symptoms may include unexplained bleeding and confusion.
It urged anyone who develops symptoms after travelling to an affected area or coming into contact with a suspected or confirmed case to seek immediate medical attention and disclose their travel history to healthcare workers.
Travellers arriving from affected areas may have their health monitored for 21 days, the Ministry added.
The public has also been advised to practise good hand hygiene and avoid contact with people experiencing unexplained fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding.
The Ministry clarified that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials, and is not airborne.
It further cautioned the public against sharing unverified information and urged citizens to rely on official updates from health authorities.
The Ministry of Health said it was working with relevant agencies and partners to implement measures aimed at protecting public health and strengthening Ghana’s readiness to respond to any suspected Ebola case.
It called on the public to remain calm, stay informed through official communication channels and cooperate with public health authorities.
