Ghana has intensified airport screening and disease surveillance following confirmed Ebola cases in Nigeria and Kenya, as authorities move to prevent the virus from spreading into the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ghanaian Ministry of Health announced the measures on Wednesday, saying the country had not recorded any Ebola case but was strengthening its preparedness to detect and manage suspected infections.
The move follows Kenya’s report of an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus on October 6, with six additional cases reported by October 17. Nigeria also confirmed an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20.
The ministry said direct flights between Ghana and Kenya, alongside frequent travel between Ghana and Nigeria, had increased the need for tighter screening at airports and other points of entry.
Under the new measures, the Ghana Health Service is working with the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and other agencies to improve surveillance and coordination.
Authorities have also conducted simulation exercises at Accra International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre to assess their readiness to respond to suspected cases.
The ministry said travellers arriving from high-risk areas would be monitored throughout their stay in Ghana in line with public health protocols.
Other measures include strengthening laboratory preparedness, updating standard operating procedures and sensitising healthcare workers on identifying and managing suspected Ebola infections.
Public education campaigns have also been intensified at airports to inform travellers about prevention and the steps to take if symptoms develop.
The ministry advised anyone who develops symptoms after travelling to an affected area or coming into contact with a suspected or confirmed case to seek prompt medical attention and disclose their travel history to healthcare workers.
Ebola symptoms typically develop between two and 21 days after exposure. They include high fever, severe headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat and chills, with unexplained bleeding and confusion potentially occurring later.
The virus spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person, or contaminated materials. It is not airborne.
The ministry urged the public to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid spreading unverified information and follow official health updates.
Ghana’s Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the government was working with relevant agencies and partners to protect public health and strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity.
