The Ministry of Health has advised 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 due to the risk of cross-border transmission and the serious nature of the disease.

Although no Ebola cases have been reported in West Africa, including Ghana, health authorities are urging citizens to strictly observe preventive measures to reduce potential risks.

According to the Ministry, Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease that spreads through direct contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, organs of infected persons, or contaminated materials and surfaces.

The advisory urged individuals attending public activities and mass gatherings to maintain universal precautions, carry personal hand sanitisers and observe good hand hygiene practices. Organisers of events have also been encouraged to provide handwashing facilities and sanitisers.

The Ministry further advised the public to wash hands regularly with soap under running water or use alcohol-based sanitisers, while ensuring hygiene facilities are available in homes, schools, workplaces, markets and public spaces.

Citizens have also been encouraged to rely only on official government and health authority information while avoiding rumours and misinformation that may create public panic.

Health officials urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding to report immediately to the nearest health facility, stressing that early treatment and reporting improve outcomes and help prevent further spread.

The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service say they continue to work with national and international partners to strengthen preparedness and response systems.

The statement was signed by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.