The Ministry of Health has urged the public 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 Organization.

In a public advisory signed by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ministry explained that the declaration was made due to the potential risk of cross-border transmission and the serious nature of the disease.

The Ministry described Ebola as a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus, which spreads through direct contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, organs of infected persons, or contaminated materials and surfaces.

According to the advisory, there are currently no reported cases in West Africa, including Ghana.

However, the ministry advised the public to strictly observe preventive measures, especially during public activities and mass gatherings.

It urged individuals to carry hand sanitisers, practice proper hand hygiene, and encouraged event organisers to provide handwashing facilities and sanitisers at events.

The ministry also advised the public to wash their hands regularly with soap under running water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

It further called for handwashing stations to be made available in homes, schools, workplaces, markets, public spaces and points of entry.

The advisory cautioned the public against spreading rumours or misinformation and urged citizens to rely only on official government and health authority channels for updates.

The ministry also urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding to immediately report to the nearest health facility.

According to the statement, early reporting and treatment can help improve outcomes and reduce the spread of the disease.

The ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service said they have intensified surveillance, screening, preparedness and response measures in collaboration with national and international partners.

The ministry added that the measures would continue to be updated as the situation evolves.