Ghana strengthens surveillance at airport, borders over Ebola cases in Kenya and Nigeria

The Ministry of Health says Ghana is strengthening surveillance at airports and other points of entry following reports of Ebola cases in Kenya and Nigeria, amid concerns over the risk of cross-border transmission.

In a public update, the Ministry said Ghana had not recorded any Ebola case but was working with the Ghana Health Service, relevant agencies and partners to prevent the importation of the disease and ensure early detection and effective management of any suspected infection.

The heightened preparedness follows reports from Kenyan authorities of an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus on October 6, 2026, with six additional cases reported by October 17.

The additional cases were linked to the initial infection and included healthcare workers.

On October 20, Nigerian authorities also reported a confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory, further raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease within the region.

The Ministry identified direct flights between Ghana and Kenya, alongside increased passenger volumes, as factors contributing to the risk of importation.

Frequent travel between Ghana and Nigeria has also heightened the need for vigilance.

Airport screening and surveillance intensified

As part of its response, the Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service, is enhancing screening and surveillance measures, particularly at the Kotoka International Airport.

The measures include engagement with the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and other stakeholders to improve coordination and preparedness.

Simulation exercises have also been conducted at the Kotoka International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre to assess the country's readiness to respond to suspected cases.

The Ministry said travellers arriving from high-risk areas would be monitored throughout their stay in Ghana, in accordance with public health protocols.

Laboratory preparedness is also being strengthened through the review of standard operating procedures, while healthcare workers are receiving sensitisation to improve their ability to identify and appropriately manage suspected cases.

Public education and risk communication efforts at the airport are expected to provide travellers with information on Ebola prevention and the steps to take if symptoms develop.

Public urged to recognise symptoms and seek early care

The Ministry says symptoms of Ebola virus disease typically develop between two and 21 days after exposure, with an average incubation period of eight to 10 days.

Early symptoms include high fever, severe headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat and chills. In some cases, patients may later develop unexplained bleeding and confusion.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person, or through contact with contaminated materials. It is not transmitted through the air in the manner of airborne infections.

The Ministry is urging anyone who develops symptoms after travelling to an affected area, or after contact with a suspected or confirmed case, to seek immediate medical attention and disclose their travel history to healthcare workers.

Travellers from affected areas may be monitored for 21 days, while the public is encouraged to practise good hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having the disease.

The Ministry has also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, urging the public to rely on official updates from health authorities.

Ministry assures public of preparedness

The Ministry of Health says it is working with relevant agencies and partners to implement measures aimed at protecting public health and strengthening the country's preparedness and response capacity.

It has urged Ghanaians to remain calm, follow official communication channels and cooperate with public health authorities as surveillance and preparedness activities continue.

Although Ghana has not reported an Ebola case, health authorities say vigilance, early detection, prompt isolation and effective contact tracing remain critical to preventing a potential outbreak.