The Ministry of Health has announced enhanced surveillance and preparedness measures to prevent the importation of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) into Ghana following reported outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Kenya and Nigeria.
In a press release issued on October 21, 2026, the Ministry said the measures were being implemented in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service and relevant agencies to ensure early detection, prompt isolation and effective management of any suspected Ebola case.
According to the Ministry, Kenyan authorities reported an imported Ebola case on October 6 involving a Kenyan national who had travelled from the Bundibugyo virus outbreak in the DR Congo. As of October 17, 2026, authorities had reported six additional cases, all linked to the initial case, including among healthcare workers.
On October 20, Nigerian authorities also reported a confirmed Ebola case involving a federal capital territory resident. However, the Ministry said Ghana had not recorded any Ebola case.
The Ministry warned that the situation in Kenya posed a significant risk to Ghana because of direct flights between the two countries and the potential for passengers to visit the DR Congo. It added that frequent travel between Ghana and Kenya had heightened the need for stronger surveillance and screening measures, particularly at the airport.
The measures being implemented include enhanced screening at points of entry, simulation exercises at the Kotoka International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre, and strengthened laboratory preparedness.
Other interventions include monitoring travellers from high-risk areas throughout their 21-day stay in Ghana, sensitising healthcare workers, updating standard operating procedures and intensifying public education on Ebola prevention.
The Ministry said Ebola symptoms 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, with unexplained bleeding and confusion potentially occurring later.
It urged anyone who develops symptoms after travelling to an affected area or coming into contact with a suspected or confirmed case to seek immediate medical attention and disclose their travel history to healthcare workers.
The public has also been advised to practise good hand hygiene, avoid contact with potentially infected individuals and contaminated materials, and rely on official communication channels for accurate information.
The Ministry reassured the public that the necessary measures were being taken to protect public health and urged Ghanaians to remain calm and cooperate with health authorities.
The statement was signed by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
By: Bernard Mensah
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