The Ministry of Health (MOH) has informed the public that recent cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) have been reported in some African countries.
According to the MOH, updates from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Africa CDC confirmed that suspected cases have recently been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
It, however, stated that Ghana has not recorded any suspected or confirmed cases, and to improve the nation’s readiness and response systems, the Ministry has implemented preventive measures nationwide and is collaborating with international health partners.
The ministry stated that current measures being implemented include: – enhanced surveillance and screening at airports, seaports, and land borders, and increased monitoring of travellers arriving from affected countries. Training and equipping health workers to identify, isolate, and manage suspected cases safely, activation of public health emergency coordination and rapid response systems, and intensified public education, risk communication, and community awareness activities.
The Ministry urged the public to remain calm and observe the following preventive measures:
“Wash hands regularly with soap under running water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Avoid direct contact with the bodily fluids of sick persons, and avoid handling dead bodies without appropriate protection.
Avoid handling or eating sick or dead wild animals and ensure that all meat is properly handled and thoroughly cooked before consumption, and report suspected symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility.”
It advised the public to avoid spreading misinformation and to rely only on official updates from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, adding that MOH and GHS remain committed to protecting the health and safety of all persons in Ghana and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
“Ebola Virus Disease is a severe viral illness spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials and surfaces. Symptoms may include fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in severe cases, bleeding,” the statement concluded.
Grace Acheampong, ISD
