Accra, Ghana – May 21, 2020 – Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has reassured the Ghanaian public that the nation has recorded no cases of the Ebola virus, despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the disease a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) last week. The announcement came during a national address aimed at informing and preparing citizens.
Context: Understanding the WHO Declaration
The WHO’s declaration of a PHEIC signifies a significant outbreak that is determined to constitute a public health risk to other states through the international spread of disease and to potentially require a coordinated international response. Such declarations are typically made when an outbreak has spread across borders, involves complex challenges, or poses a severe risk to global health security. The specific context for this declaration, though not detailed in the provided statement, generally points to a serious and widespread viral threat requiring global attention.
Ebola: Symptoms and Transmission
Minister Akandoh provided a brief overview of Ebola, describing it as a viral disease transmitted through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, secretions, and contaminated surfaces. He outlined key symptoms that individuals experiencing should report immediately to the nearest health facility: sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding.
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