The Ministry of Health has issued a public advisory urging Ghanaians to remain calm but vigilant following the declaration of the recent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
According to the Ministry, the WHO made the declaration due to the potential risk of cross-border transmission and the severe nature of the disease.
In the advisory, the Ministry explained that Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus and spreads through direct contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, organs of infected persons, or contaminated surfaces and materials.
The Ministry, however, assured the public that no cases have been reported in West Africa, including Ghana.
“Although there have been no reported cases in West Africa, including Ghana, the public is advised to remain calm but vigilant,” the statement noted.
As part of preventive measures, the Ministry urged the public to observe universal safety precautions during public activities and mass gatherings.
Individuals were advised to carry personal hand sanitisers and maintain proper hand hygiene, while event organisers were encouraged to provide handwashing facilities and sanitisers at events.
The advisory also emphasised the importance of frequent hand washing with soap under running water or the use of alcohol-based sanitisers.
The Ministry further called for handwashing stations to be made available in homes, schools, workplaces, markets, public spaces, and points of entry across the country.
In addition, the public was urged to rely only on official government and health authority channels for information and to avoid spreading rumours or misinformation that could create panic.
The Ministry stated that it continues to closely monitor the situation and urged citizens to cooperate with health authorities in maintaining public safety.
