No Ebola cases recorded in Ghana despite WHO emergency declaration - Health Minister assures

Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health, assured Ghanaians on Thursday, May 21, that "no Ebola cases have been recorded in the country despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the disease a Public Health Emergency of International Concern." He stated that the Health Ministry had issued two public notices on Ebola within the past week. He explained that Ebola is a viral disease spread through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, secretions, or contaminated surfaces and materials.

Mr. Akandoh said symptoms include sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding. He advised that "people experiencing symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding should immediately report to the nearest health facility." He reassured the public that "no cases have been recorded in West Africa, including our dear country, Ghana." He urged the public to remain calm but vigilant and to strictly observe preventive measures, such as regular handwashing with soap under running water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers. He called on organisers of public events and mass gatherings to provide handwashing stations and hand sanitisers for participants.

Mr. Akandoh assured citizens that the government is taking all necessary steps to protect the country against any possible outbreak. He noted that "presently the risk is low in Ghana."