Ghana strengthens Ebola surveillance after cases reported in Kenya, Nigeria

The Ministry of Health has intensified surveillance and preparedness measures at Ghana’s points of entry following reports of Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya and Nigeria.

Although Ghana has not recorded any Ebola case, the Ministry said it was working with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and other relevant agencies and partners to prevent the importation of the disease and ensure the early detection and effective management of any suspected case.

In a press release, the Ministry said Kenya reported an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus on October 6, 2026, involving a traveller from the DRC.

By October 17, Kenyan authorities had reported six additional cases linked to the initial case, including infections among healthcare workers.

Nigeria subsequently reported a confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20, raising concerns about the potential risk to Ghana.

According to the Ministry, direct flights between Ghana and Kenya, coupled with higher passenger volumes compared with the DRC, pose a significant risk of the disease being imported.

Frequent travel between Ghana and Nigeria has further heightened the need for stronger surveillance and screening, particularly at the airport.

The Ministry said several measures had been introduced since the outbreak began in the DRC to strengthen Ghana’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to potential Ebola cases.

These include engagements with the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and other stakeholders to improve coordination and preparedness.

Surveillance and screening at points of entry have also been strengthened, while simulation exercises have been conducted at the Accra 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 were being monitored throughout their stay in Ghana in accordance with public health protocols.

Other measures include strengthening laboratory preparedness, updating standard operating procedures and sensitising healthcare workers on the identification and management of suspected Ebola cases.

Public education and risk communication activities are also being conducted at the airport to inform travellers about prevention measures and what to do if symptoms develop.

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

Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat and chills. In later stages, patients may experience unexplained bleeding and confusion.

It stressed that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials, and is not transmitted through the air.

The Ministry has urged anyone who develops symptoms associated with Ebola 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 arriving from affected areas will have their health monitored for 21 days, in line with public health protocols.

The public has also been advised to practise good hand hygiene and avoid contact with anyone experiencing unexplained fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding.

The Ministry cautioned against spreading unverified information and encouraged the public to rely on official updates from health authorities.

It reassured Ghanaians that the necessary measures were being implemented in collaboration with relevant agencies and partners to protect public health.

The Ministry urged the public to remain calm, stay informed through official communication channels and cooperate with public health authorities as the country strengthens its preparedness and response efforts.