The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has intensified surveillance at ports of entry following confirmed cases of Hantavirus linked to passengers aboard a cruise ship that recently docked in Cape Verde.
Health authorities in Cape Verde have confirmed five cases of the virus among passengers on the vessel, with three deaths recorded so far.
Although no cases have been detected in Ghana, authorities say preventive measures have been strengthened to reduce the risk of importation and ensure early detection of any suspected infections.
Speaking to Citi News, Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, said the country’s emergency response systems had been activated as part of preparedness efforts.
“We have activated our emergency system to make sure we are aware of it. Should there be any suspected cases, if possible, we will send samples to our lab,” he said, adding that facilities such as the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR) were capable of handling diagnostics.
Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe said designated treatment centres had also been identified nationwide to manage any potential cases.
He added that public health education and risk communication campaigns were being scaled up to guide citizens on preventive measures and reduce transmission risks.
“We also have our special centres that can manage cases. We are also trying to communicate with the population about what they need to do to prevent themselves from getting the infection,” he said.
The Ghana Health Service has urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, saying it continues to closely monitor developments while strengthening surveillance and response systems at points of entry across the country.
