Ghana Tightens Ebola Screening At Accra International Airports Amid Outbreak In Africa
The Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has announced public health measures for all passengers arriving at Ghana’s international airports following the ongoing outbreak of Ebola Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in some African countries.
In a statement signed by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ministry said the measures aim to minimise the risk of Ebola being brought into Ghana and spreading through international travel. To date, Ghana has not recorded a confirmed case.
The Ministry noted that the measures are precautionary and will be reviewed as the situation evolves.
They are consistent with commitments made at the recent Africa CDC ministerial meeting on Ebola, which brought together all 55 African member states, including more than 40 ministers, where member states agreed to implement preparedness actions, strengthen cross-border and border-point surveillance, and keep borders open while investing in measures to prevent transmission.
The measures include:
Before travel: Passengers must complete the Health Declaration Form and truthfully declare any travel to or transit through Ebola-affected countries in the previous 21 days.
They must also disclose close contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient, visits to a health facility managing Ebola cases, participation in funeral or burial rites for a suspected case and contact with blood, body fluids or contaminated materials from an ill person.
Travellers with fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding or bruising should postpone travel and seek medical attention immediately.
On arrival: Every passenger will be screened by Port Health officers. Screening includes non-contact temperature checks, a review of the Health Declaration Form, travel history and further questions on symptoms and exposure where needed.
Further assessment: Passengers with symptoms suggestive of Ebola, recent travel from or through affected countries, or possible exposure to a case will be referred for immediate secondary assessment.
They will be taken to a designated area, temporarily isolated for evaluation, and referred to a health facility where necessary.
After arrival: Passengers arriving from countries with ongoing transmission will be monitored for up to 21 days.
The Ghana Health Service will contact them for follow-up, and they must keep contact details and report any symptoms immediately to the designated contact.
Hospitality sector: Hotels, conference venues and similar providers must report guests arriving from affected countries to the nearest district health directorate of the Ghana Health Service and keep records and contact details of all persons who access their facilities while such guests are hosted.
The Ministry stressed that all arriving passengers must cooperate fully with Port Health officers, give truthful travel and health information, follow screening instructions, practise frequent hand hygiene, and report immediately if symptoms develop in flight or at the airport.
It warned that any passenger who knowingly gives false information, conceals symptoms or refuses to comply with screening will be subject to public health measures under Ghanaian law.
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