Ghana boosts Ebola preparedness, airport screening as cases reported in Kenya and Nigeria

Ghana has strengthened airport screening disease surveillance and emergency preparedness following reports of Ebola cases in Kenya and Nigeria while continuing to monitor the outbreak of the disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRCIn a press release Ghanarsquos Ministry of Health said on October 21 that the measures were aimed at preventing the importation of Ebola improving early detection and ensuring a prompt response to suspected cases Ghana has not reported any Ebola cases so farThe decision follows reports of an imported Ebola case in Kenya and a confirmed case in Nigeria raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease through international travelEbola cases reported in Kenya and NigeriaKenyan authorities reported an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus from the DRC on October 6 2026 As of October 17 six additional cases had been reported all linked to the initial case including infections among healthcare workersOn October 20 Nigerian authorities also reported a confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital TerritoryThe developments have prompted Ghanaian health authorities to strengthen existing surveillance and screening arrangements particularly at airports and other points of entryAccording to the Ministry of Health Kenya poses a significant risk because of direct flights between the two countries and higher passenger volumes than those travelling from the DRC Frequent travel between Ghana and Nigeria has also increased concerns following the confirmed case in the West African countryAlthough no cases have been detected in Ghana authorities are taking precautionary steps to improve the countrys ability to identify and manage suspected infectionsAirport screening and emergency preparedness strengthenedThe Ghana Health Service is working with the Ghana Airports Company Limited the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and other agencies to improve coordination and preparednessEnhanced surveillance at points of entry including strengthened airport screening is among the key measures being implementedAuthorities have also conducted simulation exercises at Accra International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre to assess their readiness to respond to suspected Ebola casesOther measures include strengthening laboratory preparedness updating standard operating procedures and improving the ability of healthcare workers to identify and manage suspected infectionsThe health authorities are also stepping up public education and risk communication at airports to ensure travellers receive information about Ebola prevention and the steps to take if symptoms developTravellers arriving from highrisk areas will be followed up during their stay in Ghana in line with public health protocolsTravellers advised to monitor symptoms for 21 daysThe Ministry of Health has urged people who have travelled to affected areas to remain alert to possible symptoms and seek medical attention if they become unwellEbola virus disease symptoms generally develop between two and 21 days after exposure with an average incubation period of eight to 10 daysEarly symptoms include high fever severe headache extreme fatigue sore throat and chills In some cases unexplained bleeding and confusion may also occurEbola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or through contaminated materials The virus does not spread through the air according to the ministrys public guidanceAnyone who develops symptoms after travelling to an affected area or after contact with a suspected or confirmed case should seek prompt medical care and inform healthcare workers about their travel historyHealth authorities have also advised the public to practise good hand hygiene and avoid contact with anyone experiencing unexplained fever vomiting diarrhoea or bleedingTravellers arriving from affected areas will have their health monitored for 21 days in line with the recommended observation periodPublic urged to follow official health updatesThe Ministry of Health has urged the public to rely on verified information from official health authorities and avoid circulating unconfirmed reports about the outbreakThe ministry said it was coordinating with relevant agencies and partners to strengthen Ghanas preparedness and response capacity The measures are intended to support early detection prompt isolation and effective management if a suspected case is identifiedWhile Ghana has not reported any Ebola infections health authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance as cases are reported in other countries and international travel continuesThe ministry has called on the public to remain calm follow official updates and cooperate with health authorities as surveillance and preventive measures continue