Ghana has stepped up Ebola surveillance and preparedness measures, particularly at airports and other points of entry, following reported outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya and Nigeria.
In a press release, Ghana's Ministry of Health said the measures were aimed at preventing the importation of the virus, ensuring early detection and strengthening the country's capacity to respond to suspected cases.
The ministry said Kenya reported an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus from the DRC on October 6, 2026.
By October 17, Kenyan authorities had reported six additional cases linked to the initial patient, including healthcare workers.
On October 20, Nigerian authorities also confirmed an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory, raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease amid frequent travel between affected countries and Ghana.
Although Ghana has not reported any Ebola cases, the ministry said the developments in Kenya and Nigeria had heightened the need for stronger surveillance, particularly because of direct flights and high passenger traffic between Ghana and the two countries.
The government, through the Ghana Health Service and its partners, has intensified coordination with the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and other stakeholders to improve preparedness and response at points of entry.
The measures include enhanced airport screening, simulation exercises at Accra International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre, and follow-up monitoring of travellers arriving from high-risk areas.
The ministry said laboratory preparedness was also being strengthened through updates to standard operating procedures, while healthcare workers were being sensitised on identifying and appropriately managing suspected Ebola cases.
Public education initiatives have also been introduced at the airport to provide travellers with information on prevention and the steps to take if symptoms develop.
Ebola symptoms typically appear between two and 21 days after exposure, with an average incubation period of eight to 10 days.
The symptoms include high fever, severe headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat and chills. In later stages, patients may develop unexplained bleeding and confusion.
The ministry emphasised that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person, or through contaminated materials, and is not airborne.
Travellers returning from affected areas have been advised to monitor their health for 21 days. Anyone who develops symptoms after visiting an affected area or coming into contact with a suspected or confirmed case should seek medical attention promptly and disclose their travel history to healthcare workers.
The public has also been urged to practise good hand hygiene, avoid contact with anyone showing unexplained symptoms and refrain from sharing unverified information.
Ghana's Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the government was implementing the necessary measures to protect public health, urging citizens to remain calm, follow official updates and cooperate with health authorities.
