Ghana on High Alert as Ebola Cases Reported in Uganda and DR Congo

The Ministry of Health has issued a nationwide alert following reports of new cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in parts of Africa, specifically in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to updates from the World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, both confirmed and suspected cases have recently emerged in the affected countries. However, authorities have stressed that Ghana has not recorded any suspected or confirmed case.

In response, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with international health partners, has activated precautionary measures to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response systems. These include enhanced surveillance and screening at airports, seaports, and land borders, as well as increased monitoring of travellers arriving from affected regions.

Health workers across the country are also being trained and equipped to safely identify, isolate, and manage suspected cases. Additionally, public health emergency coordination systems have been activated, alongside intensified public education and community awareness campaigns.

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Early symptoms include fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, and diarrhoea, while severe cases may involve internal and external bleeding.

The Ministry has urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, emphasizing strict adherence to preventive measures such as regular handwashing with soap under running water, use of alcohol-based sanitizers, and avoiding direct contact with bodily fluids of sick individuals. The public is also advised against handling dead bodies without proper protection and to avoid consuming sick or dead wild animals unless properly handled and thoroughly cooked.

Citizens are encouraged to promptly report any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility and to refrain from spreading misinformation. Authorities stress the importance of relying only on official updates from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service.

The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health, assuring that the situation is being closely monitored.