Ghana prepared for Ebola, no need to panic – Health Minister

The Health Minister urged citizens not to panic over the possible Ebola outbreak.

According to the Health Minister, the measures put in place include thermal scanners, electronic health declaration forms, laboratory testing and isolation facilities to help detect and manage any suspected case.

Kwabena Mintah Akandoh highlighted that thermal scanners had been installed at the airport, while electronic health declaration forms had been reviewed to support the screening of incoming passengers and facilitate contact tracing.

Speaking during a visit to the Kotoka International Airport on Wednesday, October 28, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh stated, “We are praying we don’t record any case, but if we do, we are ready to do the needful. So we should not be afraid”.

Kwabena Mintah Akandoh further disclosed that the electronic declaration forms had been amended following further reviews, adding that the forms would help health authorities assess passengers and trace contacts more effectively if a suspected or confirmed case emerges.

He further disclosed that Ghana was strengthening its laboratory capacity to support the testing and diagnosis of suspected Ebola cases, citing facilities including the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) and the national reference laboratory.

The Health Minister also pointed to the availability of an infectious disease treatment centre to support the isolation and management of patients.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has intensified its public awareness campaign against the Ebola virus.

The GHS is urging citizens to stay vigilant and strictly adhere to preventive measures.

The GHS, in a public notice, disclosed that the Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of an infected person.

They also warned the public not to touch the body fluids of someone with suspected Ebola.

The GHS, in a post on Facebook, wrote, “The Ebola virus can spread through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of an infected person. Avoiding such exposure is essential to reducing the risk of infection.

If you have direct contact with someone suspected of having Ebola or their body fluids, seek medical attention immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.

Let us remain informed, follow recommended preventive measures and encourage others to do the same.