The Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has announced enhanced Ebola screening and monitoring measures for passengers arriving at all international airports in the country amid an ongoing outbreak of the disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in some African countries.
The Ministry said the measures are aimed at minimising the risk of the disease being imported into Ghana and spreading through international travel.
It stressed that Ghana has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola Disease, describing the measures as precautionary and subject to review as the situation evolves.
Under the new arrangements, all passengers will be required to complete a Health Declaration Form before travelling and truthfully disclose any travel to or transit through Ebola-affected countries within the previous 21 days.
Travellers must also declare any close contact with suspected or confirmed Ebola patients, visits to health facilities managing Ebola cases, participation in funeral or burial rites involving suspected cases, and contact with blood, body fluids or contaminated materials from an ill person.
Passengers experiencing symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding and bruising have been advised to postpone their travel and seek immediate medical attention.
On arrival, all passengers will undergo screening by Port Health officers, including non-contact temperature checks, reviews of their health declaration forms and travel histories, as well as additional questions about possible symptoms or exposure.
The Ghana Health Service said passengers presenting symptoms suggestive of Ebola, those arriving from affected countries or individuals with possible exposure to the virus will undergo further assessment.
Such passengers may be temporarily isolated at designated areas for evaluation and referred to a health facility where necessary.
Additionally, travellers arriving from countries with ongoing transmission will be monitored for up to 21 days after arrival, with the GHS maintaining contact for follow-up and requiring them to report any symptoms immediately.
The Ministry has also directed hotels, conference venues and other hospitality facilities to report guests arriving from affected countries to the nearest district health directorate of the Ghana Health Service.
The facilities are further required to maintain records and contact details of persons accessing their premises while such guests are being hosted.
All arriving passengers have been urged to cooperate with Port Health officers, provide accurate health and travel information, comply with screening procedures, practise regular hand hygiene and promptly report any symptoms that develop during flights or at the airport.
The Ministry warned that passengers who deliberately provide false information, conceal symptoms or refuse to comply with screening requirements will be subjected to public health measures under Ghanaian law.
It has meanwhile urged the public to rely on official information from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service and avoid spreading rumours.
Individuals with health concerns have been advised to contact the nearest Port Health officer at the airport or visit the nearest health facility.
By: Bernard Mensah
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