Ghana steps up Ebola screening after Kenya, Nigeria record cases

The Ministry of Health has intensified Ebola surveillance and screening at Ghana’s various points of entry following reports of Kenya and Nigeria recording some cases, amid an ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Ministry, in a press release, said Ghana has not recorded any case of the disease, and the measures were aimed at preventing importation and ensuring early detection of suspected cases.

Kenya reported an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus on October 6, 2026, followed by six additional cases by October 17. Nigeria also reported a confirmed case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20.

The Ministry said the developments had heightened the risk to Ghana due to direct flights and passenger traffic between the country and Kenya, as well as frequent travel between Ghana and Nigeria.

“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,” the statement read.

Measures being implemented include enhanced airport screening, simulation exercises at the Accra International Airport and the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre, laboratory preparedness and sensitisation of healthcare workers.

The Ministry also said travellers arriving from affected areas would have their health monitored for 21 days.

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

The Ministry stressed that the virus spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials, and is not airborne.

It urged the public to remain calm, practise good hand hygiene and rely on official health updates.

“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 statement added.