Ghana’s Ministry of Health has strengthened surveillance and response measures against Ebola following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the subsequent reporting of cases in Kenya and Nigeria.
The ministry said it was enhancing national preparedness to prevent the importation of the virus and ensure the early detection, prompt isolation and effective management of suspected cases.
In a press release signed by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, on Wednesday, the ministry said Kenya reported an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus from the DRC on October 6, 2026.
“As of 17 October 2026, authorities reported six additional cases, all linked to the initial case, including among healthcare workers,” the statement said.
It added that Nigerian authorities reported a confirmed case of Ebola in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20.
Although Ghana had not reported any Ebola case, the ministry said it was working with the Ghana Health Service and other agencies to strengthen preparedness and reduce the risk of an outbreak.
“The situation in Kenya poses a significant risk to Ghana due to direct flights between the two countries and higher passenger volumes than in the DRC,” the statement said.
“In addition, the confirmed case in Nigeria has compounded this risk because of frequent travel between the two countries. This has necessitated strengthening existing surveillance and screening measures, especially at the airport,” the statement added.
The ministry said measures already being implemented included engagement with key stakeholders, enhanced surveillance at points of entry, simulation exercises and follow-up with travellers arriving from high-risk areas.
Other measures include strengthening laboratory preparedness through updated standard operating procedures, sensitising healthcare workers on Ebola prevention and management, and providing travellers with information on the disease and what to do if symptoms develop.
The statement said simulation exercises were being conducted at Accra International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre to assess and improve readiness to respond to suspected cases.
On symptoms, the ministry said Ebola could begin to manifest 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, followed in some cases by unexplained bleeding and confusion.
The ministry advised people who develop symptoms after travelling to an affected area or coming into contact with a suspected or confirmed case to seek prompt medical attention and disclose their travel history to health workers.
It also urged travellers from affected areas to monitor their health for 21 days and encouraged the public to practise good hand hygiene and avoid contact with anyone showing unexplained fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding.
“Do not spread unverified information. Follow official updates from health authorities,” the statement advised.
The ministry clarified that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials, adding that it was not airborne.
It reassured the public that the government, through relevant agencies and partners, was implementing measures to protect public health.
“The public is encouraged to remain calm, stay informed through official communication channels, and cooperate with public health authorities as Ghana continues to strengthen its preparedness and response measures,” the statement said.