By Linda Naa Deide Aryeetey, GNA
Accra, June 3, GNA – The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has urged the public to adopt regular handwashing practices and seek early medical attention when unwell as part of efforts to prevent a possible Ebola outbreak in the country.
The call comes as the service intensifies preparedness measures following recent Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health at the GHS, said while Ghana had not recorded any Ebola case, public vigilance and adherence to preventive measures remained critical.
“We should not assume that every fever is malaria. If you have a fever, headache, body pains, or feel unwell, report early to a health facility for proper assessment,” he told the Ghana News Agency.
He said early reporting significantly improves treatment outcomes, especially since there is currently no approved vaccine for the strain involved in the ongoing outbreak.
“Ebola treatment is largely supportive, so the earlier a person reports to a health facility, the better the chances of survival,” he said.
Dr Asiedu-Bekoe also stressed the importance of hand hygiene, urging institutions, businesses, and organisers of public events to revive handwashing facilities introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He advised the public to wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers where handwashing facilities were unavailable. “We need to make handwashing a routine practice again. Whether it is a shop, restaurant, church, funeral, or any public gathering, handwashing facilities should be available,” he said.
The Public Health Director said Ebola was transmitted through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, and other secretions of an infected person, making personal hygiene and avoidance of contact with infected individuals essential preventive measures.
He said symptoms of Ebola often begin with fever, headache, body pains, and weakness, which can easily be mistaken for common illnesses such as malaria.
Dr Asiedu-Bekoe said the incubation period for Ebola ranges from two to 21 days, meaning symptoms may not appear immediately after exposure.
He noted that, unlike some other strains of Ebola, there was currently no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain involved in the recent outbreak, making early detection and supportive treatment crucial to improving survival outcomes.
He said health workers across the country were undergoing renewed orientation and training to improve their ability to identify, isolate, and manage suspected cases.
He said the GHS is working with development partners to secure additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), sanitisers, and other logistics needed to strengthen the country’s response capacity.
Dr Asiedu-Bekoe said Ghana’s preparedness extended beyond airports to border communities and health facilities nationwide, where frontline workers were being equipped to respond quickly should a suspected case emerge.
He called on the media to support public education efforts and help combat misinformation about the disease.
“Ebola preparedness is a collective responsibility. Through awareness, vigilance, and cooperation, we can protect ourselves and our communities,” he said.
The Bundibugyo ebolavirus is a relatively newly identified species of the Ebola virus family. Scientists say the virus originates in animals and can potentially spill over to humans.
Fruit bats are considered the most likely natural reservoir for Ebola, although research is still ongoing to fully understand its transmission dynamics and disease-causing potential in humans.
Ebola is not spread through the air like influenza or COVID-19. A person becomes contagious only after developing symptoms.
Historically, Ebola outbreaks have recorded case fatality rates ranging from 25 per cent to 90 per cent, depending on the strain and the quality of healthcare available.
For the current outbreak, health authorities have reported a case fatality rate estimated at 30 to 50 per cent, which makes the chances of survival for infected persons lower.
GNA
Reporter: Linda Naa Deide Aryeetey
[email protected]
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong