Help prevent Ebola infection - Minister

Mr Antwi-Boasiako Sekyere, Eastern Regional Minister, has directed that all public institutions and sensitive public places in the region be provided with simple hand washing devices as a way of helping to prevent the infection of Ebola.

He appealed to all electronic media houses to spare at least five minutes of their airtime to sensitise the public about the Ebola disease and how to prevent its spread should it occur in Ghana.

Mr Sekyere gave the directive at the Eastern Regional Epidemic Management Committee meeting held at Koforidua to discuss the regional response to the Ebola (EVD) virus.

He directed all municipal and district chief executives in the region together with their district directors of health to embark on mass sensitisation of people in the districts on the Ebola virus and how to prevent its infection and spread.

Dr Mrs Charity Sarpong, Regional Director of Health Services, warned people to take precautions when in contact with fruit eating bats, antelopes and monkeys since they are carriers of the virus.

She said the virus stayed in the body fluids of infected animals such as blood, semen, secretions, and organs and infect human beings who came into contact with those fluids.

Dr Sarpong said persons infected with the virus could die within 10 days of infection and anybody who got into contact with the body fluid of the diseased could also be infected.

She advised people to immediately report symptoms such as fatigue, general weakness, joint and muscle pains, sore throat, vomiting and high fever to the nearest hospital for proper medical care.

Dr Sarpong said Ebola could be prevented by reducing human contact with infected fruit bats, monkeys and the consumption of their raw meat.

She said gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when taking care of patients suspected to be infected.

Dr Sarpong pleaded with families not to hide their relations suffering from the disease as was happening in some West African countries.