Ebola Has No Cure or Vaccine Yet — Akandoh Warns Ghanaians
Health Minister urges heightened public awareness and early reporting of suspected cases as concerns grow over Ebola outbreaks.
- Health Minister Akandoh says Ebola currently has no cure or vaccine
- Public urged to stay vigilant and report suspected cases early
- Warning issued amid rising Ebola concerns in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant against Ebola, warning that there is currently no approved cure, medication, or vaccine available to combat the deadly viral disease.
Speaking on the potential threat posed by Ebola, the Minister emphasized the need for increased public awareness and the prompt reporting of suspected cases, describing early detection and medical intervention as the most effective tools currently available in managing the disease.
Ebola is primarily transmitted from animals to humans, particularly through contact with infected fruit bats or their droppings. Human-to-human transmission can also occur through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or secretions of an infected person.
Highlighting the seriousness of the disease, Akandoh noted that Ebola remains one of the world’s deadliest viral infections, with a mortality rate ranging between 30 and 50 percent.
“The reality at the moment is that we don’t have medications or a cure for it, or a vaccine for it, for now. I hear a lot of studies are ongoing to find vaccines, but for now, we don’t have it,” he said during an interview on Joy News on Tuesday, June 2.
Drawing comparisons to the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minister cautioned against complacency and called on both health authorities and the public to remain prepared to respond swiftly should any cases be detected.
“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. We all have to be aware of what is going on,” he stated.
He further advised anyone experiencing symptoms or who suspects exposure to the virus to immediately report to the nearest health facility for assessment and medical attention.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over Ebola infections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where health authorities have confirmed at least 282 cases as efforts continue to contain the outbreak.
