Accra:Ghana has increased Ebola surveillance at its three international airports by implementing mandatory health declarations and enhanced screening for arriving passengers.
According to Ghana News Agency, the measures are in response to an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in certain African countries and aim to prevent the disease's importation and potential spread through international travel.
Passengers arriving at Accra, Prempeh, and Yakubu international airports must complete a Health Declaration Form and disclose any travel to or transit through Ebola-affected countries within the previous 21 days. They must also declare any close contact with suspected or confirmed Ebola patients, visits to health facilities managing Ebola cases, participation in funeral or burial rites involving suspected cases, or contact with blood, body fluids, and contaminated materials.
The Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service (GHS), is implementing these precautionary measures, which will be reviewed as the public health situation evolves. Ghana has not recorded any confirmed Ebola cases.
Travellers experiencing symptoms like fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, or bruising are advised to postpone travel and seek immediate medical attention. On arrival, all passengers will undergo screening by Port Health officers, which includes non-contact temperature checks, review of health declaration forms and travel histories, and additional questioning on symptoms and potential exposure if necessary.
Passengers showing symptoms suggestive of Ebola, those with recent travel from or through affected countries, or individuals with possible exposure to a case will be referred for immediate secondary assessment. Affected passengers will be taken to designated areas for temporary isolation and evaluation and referred to a health facility if necessary.
Those arriving from countries with ongoing Ebola transmission will be monitored for up to 21 days after arrival. The GHS will conduct follow-up monitoring, while affected travellers must keep accessible contact details and promptly report any symptoms to designated health officials.
The Ministry has also directed hotels, conference venues, and other hospitality establishments to notify the nearest district health directorate of the GHS of guests arriving from affected countries. These facilities must maintain records and contact details of all persons accessing their premises while such guests are hosted.
Arriving passengers are urged to cooperate with Port Health officers, provide accurate travel and health information, comply with screening requirements, and practice regular hand hygiene. Travellers are also advised to immediately report any symptoms that develop during flights or upon arrival.
The statement warned that passengers who knowingly provide false information, conceal symptoms, or refuse to comply with screening requirements could face public health measures under Ghanaian law. The public is advised to obtain information from official sources, such as the Ministry of Health and the GHS, and refrain from spreading misinformation about the outbreak.
Persons with health concerns are encouraged to contact the nearest Port Health officer at the airport or seek care at a health facility.