The Ministry of Health has intensified Ebola surveillance, airport screening and national preparedness measures following reports of Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya and Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, on October 22, 2026, the ministry said it was working with the Ghana Health Service and other relevant agencies and partners to strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent the importation of the virus, detect suspected cases early and ensure prompt isolation and effective management.
According to the statement, Kenyan authorities reported an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus on October 6, 2026, involving a person from the DRC. By October 17, six additional cases had been reported, all linked to the initial case, including infections among healthcare workers.
The statement also reported that Nigerian authorities had confirmed an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20.
Although Ghana has not recorded any Ebola case, the ministry said the developments had heightened the need to strengthen existing surveillance and screening measures, particularly at the country’s airports.
It identified direct flights and increased passenger traffic between Ghana and Kenya, as well as frequent travel between Ghana and Nigeria, as factors requiring heightened vigilance.
Measures to strengthen preparedness
The ministry said it had initiated a series of measures since the outbreak in the DRC to improve the country’s readiness to prevent, detect and respond to potential Ebola infections.
These include engagements with the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and other stakeholders to improve coordination and preparedness.
Surveillance at points of entry, particularly airports, has also been strengthened, while simulation exercises conducted at the Accra International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre are intended to assess and improve the country’s response to suspected cases.
The measures further include monitoring travellers arriving from high-risk areas throughout their 21-day follow-up period, strengthening laboratory preparedness through updates to standard operating procedures, and sensitising healthcare workers on the identification and management of suspected cases.
Public education and risk communication activities are also being intensified at the airport to inform travellers about Ebola prevention and the steps to take if symptoms develop.
Public urged to observe preventive measures
The Ministry of Health 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 include high fever, severe headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat and chills. Unexplained bleeding and confusion may also occur as the disease progresses.
The ministry urged anyone who develops symptoms after travelling to an affected area, or following contact with a suspected or confirmed case, to seek immediate medical attention and disclose their travel history to healthcare workers.
It also advised the public to practise good hand hygiene and avoid contact with people showing unexplained fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding.
The statement clarified that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person, or contaminated materials, and is not transmitted through the air.
The public was further urged to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely on official communication channels for updates on the outbreak.
Ministry assures public of readiness
The ministry assured the public that it was implementing the necessary measures, in collaboration with relevant agencies and partners, to safeguard public health.
It called on Ghanaians to remain calm, stay informed and cooperate with public health authorities as the country strengthens its preparedness and response to the evolving Ebola situation.
The statement was signed by Mr Akandoh, Minister for Health.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
