The Ministry of Health has issued a public advisory following the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) declaration of the recent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
According to the ministry, the declaration was made due to the potential risk of cross-border transmission and the dangerous nature of the disease.
In a statement signed by Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the ministry clarified that although no Ebola cases have been recorded in Ghana or the West African sub-region, the public must remain calm but vigilant.
“Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus. It spreads through direct contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, or organs of infected persons, or with contaminated surfaces and materials,” the statement explained.
The ministry urged Ghanaians to strictly adhere to preventive measures, especially during public activities and mass gatherings.
Citizens have been advised to carry hand sanitisers and practise proper hand hygiene at all times, while event organisers are expected to provide handwashing stations and sanitisers at gatherings.
The advisory further encouraged frequent handwashing with soap under running water or the use of alcohol-based sanitisers in homes, schools, workplaces, markets and public spaces.
The Ministry of Health also cautioned the public against spreading rumours or misinformation that could create fear and panic, urging citizens to rely only on official government and health authority communication channels.
Additionally, persons experiencing symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding have been advised to immediately report to the nearest health facility for medical attention.
The ministry disclosed that it is working closely with the Ghana Health Service as well as national and international partners to intensify surveillance, screening, preparedness and response measures across the country.
Authorities say these interventions will continue to be reviewed as the situation develops globally.
