Ghana on high alert over Ebola outbreaks in Uganda and DRC
The Ministry of Health has moved to reassure the public while placing the country on heightened preparedness following reports of Ebola Virus Disease cases in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a press release, the ministry confirmed it had been briefed on recent suspected and confirmed Ebola cases in the two countries through updates from the World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. It stressed, however, that Ghana has not recorded any suspected or confirmed cases.
As a precautionary measure, the ministry said a range of response systems have been activated nationwide.
These include intensified screening at airports, seaports, and land border crossings, with particular attention given to travellers arriving from affected countries.
Health workers across the country are also being trained and equipped to identify, isolate, and manage suspected cases in a safe and coordinated manner.
Public health emergency coordination and rapid response systems have been activated, and community awareness and risk communication activities are ongoing.
The ministry reminded the public that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces and materials. Symptoms to watch for include fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, and bleeding in severe cases.
To reduce the risk of infection, the public has been advised to wash hands frequently with soap and running water or alcohol-based sanitiser, avoid contact with the bodily fluids of sick persons, refrain from handling dead bodies without proper protective equipment, and avoid consuming or handling sick or dead wild animals.
All meat should be properly handled and thoroughly cooked before eating.
Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with Ebola has been urged to report immediately to the nearest health facility. The ministry called for calm while emphasising the importance of vigilance and adherence to the outlined preventive measures.
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