Accra:Ghana has strengthened its Ebola surveillance at the nation's three international airports, implementing mandatory health declarations and enhanced screening procedures for incoming passengers.
According to Ghana News Agency, the measures are in response to an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in certain African countries, aiming to prevent the disease's importation and potential spread through international travel.
The Ministry of Health, with Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh at the helm, announced these interventions as part of commitments made during a recent Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) ministerial meeting on Ebola. Passengers arriving at Accra, Prempeh, and Yakubu international airports must now complete a Health Declaration Form, disclosing any travel to or transit through Ebola-affected regions within the past 21 days.
Travellers are also required to report any contact with suspected or confirmed Ebola patients, visits to facilities managing Ebola cases, participation in funerals involving suspected cases, or contact with contaminated materials. All incoming passengers will undergo screening by Port Health officers, including non-contact temperature checks and reviews of health declarations and travel histories.
The statement emphasized Ghana's current status of having no confirmed Ebola cases and advised travellers with symptoms like fever, severe weakness, or unexplained bleeding to postpone travel and seek medical attention. Passengers showing possible Ebola symptoms or who have traveled through affected countries will be referred for secondary assessment and possibly isolated for evaluation.
Additionally, passengers from countries with active Ebola transmission will be monitored for up to 21 days post-arrival, with the Ghana Health Service conducting follow-up checks. Hotels and conference venues must report guests from affected countries to local health authorities and maintain contact records.
The Ministry urged cooperation from arriving passengers in providing accurate health and travel information and warned of consequences for those concealing symptoms or providing false data. The public is encouraged to seek information from official sources and avoid spreading misinformation. Concerns should be directed to Port Health officers or health facilities.