The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and avoid complacency as the country strengthens preparedness against Ebola and other infectious diseases.
He warned that the public should not rely on self-diagnosis when experiencing symptoms such as fever, body pains, or weakness, stressing that only proper medical testing can confirm illnesses.
“Don’t sit home and say that I’m having body pains or muscle pains and therefore you conclude that it is malaria. It can only be confirmed when a test is done,” he said.
He explained that although symptoms may resemble those of common illnesses such as malaria, individuals must seek medical attention immediately rather than make assumptions.
“If you are going through any of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean you have Ebola. Your best bet is to go to the nearest health facility,” he added.
Mr Akandoh further explained that Ebola is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans, with fruit bats identified as one of the key carriers.
“We are told that this is transmitted from animals to humans, and it’s caused by a type of bat they call the fruit bat,” he said, noting that infection can also occur through contact with infected animals, contaminated surfaces, or bodily fluids of infected persons.
He warned that the disease remains highly dangerous, with a fatality rate estimated between 30 and 50 percent, and emphasised that there is currently no approved cure or vaccine.
“Now, the mortality rate stands around 30 to 50 per cent, so it’s high. And the reality at the moment is that we don’t have a medication or a cure for it or a vaccine for it for now. A lot of studies are going on to find vaccines,” he stated.
The Minister cautioned against complacency and urged the public to support ongoing efforts to raise awareness and surveillance.
“I do not want us to sit aloof and not create the necessary awareness so that when we detect cases, we are not found wanting,” he stressed.
As part of preventive measures, he also emphasised the importance of hygiene, especially handwashing at public gatherings, saying proper sanitation practices remain key in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
“We want all of us to go back to hand hygiene. So every public gathering must make provision for hand washing,” he added.
Health authorities say Ghana remains on high alert following outbreaks in parts of the sub-region, although no confirmed Ebola case has been recorded in the country.
