Ghana has strengthened airport screening, disease surveillance and laboratory preparedness following confirmed Ebola cases in Nigeria and Kenya linked to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Ghanaian Ministry of Health said it was intensifying measures to prevent the importation of the virus and ensure early detection and management of suspected cases, although no Ebola case had been reported in Ghana as of October 21, 2026.

In a press release, the ministry said Kenyan authorities reported an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus from the DRC on October 6. By October 17, six additional cases had been reported, all linked to the initial case, including healthcare workers.

Nigerian authorities also reported a confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20, raising concerns about the risk of further spread across the region.

The ministry said direct flights between Ghana and Kenya, as well as frequent travel between Ghana and Nigeria, had heightened the need to strengthen existing surveillance and screening measures, particularly at airports.

Measures introduced by the Ghana Health Service include collaboration with the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and other partners to improve preparedness and coordination.

The government has also intensified screening at points of entry, conducted simulation exercises at Accra International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre, and strengthened laboratory preparedness by updating standard operating procedures.

Healthcare workers are being sensitised to improve their ability to identify and manage suspected cases, while travellers arriving from high-risk areas are subject to follow-up health monitoring in line with public health protocols.

The ministry said public education and risk communication had also been strengthened at airports to inform travellers about Ebola prevention and the steps to take if symptoms develop.

Ebola symptoms typically appear 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, while unexplained bleeding and confusion may occur later.

The ministry said the virus spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials, adding that it was not airborne.

It advised anyone who develops symptoms after travelling to an affected area or coming into contact with a suspected or confirmed case to seek prompt medical attention and disclose their travel history to healthcare workers.

Travellers from affected areas should have their health monitored for 21 days, while the public was urged to maintain good hand hygiene and avoid contact with anyone showing unexplained fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding.

The ministry also cautioned against spreading unverified information and urged the public to rely on official health communications.

Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the government, working with relevant agencies and partners, was implementing measures to protect public health and strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity.