Health Ministry issues Ebola alert over outbreaks in Uganda and DR Congo

The Ministry of Health has issued a public alert following recent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks reported in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to the Ministry, updates from the World Health Organisation and Africa CDC indicate that confirmed and suspected Ebola cases have recently been recorded in the two countries. Ghana has not recorded any suspected or confirmed cases.

The Ministry said it has, in collaboration with international health partners, activated precautionary measures nationwide to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response systems.

The measures include enhanced surveillance and screening at airports, seaports and land borders, increased monitoring of travellers arriving from affected countries, training and equipping health workers to identify, isolate and manage suspected cases safely, activation of public health emergency coordination and rapid response systems, as well as intensified public education and risk communication activities.

The Ministry explained that Ebola Virus Disease is a severe viral illness spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials and surfaces. Symptoms may include fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, bleeding.

The public has been advised to wash hands regularly with soap under running water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers, avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, avoid handling dead bodies without appropriate protection, and avoid handling or eating sick or dead wild animals.

The Ministry also urged the public to report suspected symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility and avoid spreading misinformation.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said the Ministry and the Ghana Health Service remain committed to protecting public health and will continue to monitor the situation closely.