The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Ministry of Health has tightened surveillance at Ghana’s borders following an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The two institutions noted that measures include enhanced screening at Accra International Airport, sea ports and land borders, increased monitoring of travellers from affected countries, and activation of public health emergency and rapid response systems.
“The Ministry working with allied agencies and partners has activated precautionary measures nationwide to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response systems,” NADMO stated.
NADMO confirmed Ghana remains Ebola-free.
“Ghana has not recorded any case yet,” it said.
NADMO described Ebola as a severe illness spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials and surfaces. Symptoms include fever, weakness, diarrhoea, and bleeding in severe cases.
The organisation urged the public to wash hands regularly with soap or use sanitiser, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, avoid handling dead bodies without protection, and avoid eating sick or dead animals. Meat should be properly cooked. Anyone with suspected symptoms should report to the nearest health facility.
NADMO, with the Ghana Health Service and other partners, is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed.
