Ebola in DRC, Uganda: MoH highlights preventive measures although no case has been recorded in Ghana

The Ministry of Health has informed the public that recent cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) have been reported in some African countries.

According to updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC, confirmed and suspected cases have recently been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

The Ministry of Health said Ghana has not recorded any suspected or confirmed case.

The Ministry of Health, working in collaboration with international health partners, has activated precautionary measures nationwide to strengthen the country's preparedness and response systems.

Current measures being implemented 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.

- Intensified public education, risk communication, and community awareness activities.

A statement issued on Monday May 18 said "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 Ministry of Health urged the public to remain calm and observe the following preventive measures:

-Wash hands regularly with soap under running water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. - Avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of sick persons.

- Avoid handling dead bodies without appropriate protection.

- Avoid handling or eating sick or dead wild animals and ensure that all meat is properly handled and thoroughly cooked before consumption.

- Report suspected symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility.