The Ministry of Health, with its relevant agencies and partners, wishes to update the public on measures Ghana is implementing in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the subsequent report of cases in Kenya and Nigeria.
On 6 October 2026, Kenyan authorities reported an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus from the DRC. As of 17 October 2026, authorities reported six additional cases, all linked to the initial case, including among healthcare workers. On 20th October, Nigerian authorities also reported a confirmed case of Ebola in the Federal Capital Territory. Although Ghana has not reported any Ebola case, the Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service and other agencies and partners, is strengthening national preparedness to prevent importation and ensure early detection, prompt isolation, and effective management of any suspected case.
The situation in Kenya poses a significant risk to Ghana due to direct flights between the two countries and higher passenger volumes than in the DRC. In addition, the confirmed case in Nigeria has compounded this risk because of frequent travel between the two countries. This has necessitated strengthening existing surveillance and screening measures, especially at the airport.
Since the outbreak began in the DRC, the Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service, has implemented public measures to strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to any potential Ebola case.
These measures include:
- Engagement with relevant stakeholders, including the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and other key partners, to strengthen preparedness and coordination.
- Enhanced surveillance at points of entry, including strengthened airport screening measures.
- Simulation exercises at the Accra International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre to assess and improve readiness to respond to suspected cases.
- Follow-up with travellers from high-risk areas throughout their stay in Ghana, in line with public health protocols.
- Strengthen laboratory preparedness, including updating standard operating procedures.
- Sensitize healthcare workers to enhance awareness, preparedness, and appropriate management of suspected cases.
- Public education and risk communication at the airport to provide travelers with relevant information on Ebola prevention and the actions to take if symptoms develop.
Signs and Symptoms of Ebola
- Ebola virus disease symptoms typically start 2 to 21 days (average 8 to 10 days) after exposure.
- These include high-grade fever, severe headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat, chills, and later unexplained bleeding and confusion.
Public guidance
- Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or with contaminated materials. It is not airborne.
- Anyone who falls ill and has any of the above symptoms after travelling to an affected area, or after contact with a suspected or confirmed case, should seek prompt medical care and disclose their travel history to health workers.
- Travellers from affected areas would have their health monitored for 21 days.
- Practise good hand hygiene and avoid contact with anyone showing unexplained fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, or bleeding.
Do not spread unverified information. Follow official updates from health authorities.
The Ministry of Health wishes to reassure the public that, together with its relevant agencies and partners, it is implementing the necessary measures to protect public health. The public is encouraged to remain calm, stay informed through official communication channels, and cooperate with public health authorities as Ghana continues to strengthen its preparedness and response measures.
