The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has intensified surveillance at the country’s ports of entry following reports of suspected and confirmed Hantavirus infections aboard a cruise ship docked in Cape Verde.
The move forms part of precautionary measures by health authorities to prevent a possible importation of the virus into the country, although no case has been recorded yet.
A statement signed and issued by the Director-General of the GHS, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, on Friday, said while health facilities nationwide were on high alert for unusual respiratory illnesses, laboratory preparedness and rapid response systems had also been heightened.
It added that public health education on rodent control and environmental sanitation were being intensified, while collaboration with international disease surveillance networks had been reinforced for timely information sharing on the disease.
The GHS urged the public to keep homes and workplaces clean to prevent rodent infestation, properly store food and dispose off waste promptly.
It also advised the public to avoid contact with rodents and their droppings, wear gloves and masks when cleaning rodent-infested areas, and wash hands regularly with soap and clean water.
The DG further urged persons experiencing fever, breathing difficulties or flu-like symptoms after possible exposure to rodents or recent international travel to seek immediate medical attention.
“The Ministry of Health and the GHS assure the public that Ghana’s disease surveillance system remain active and responsive.
Citizens are urged to remain calm, avoid misinformation and comply with official public health guidance,” the statement urged.
An outbreak of Hantavirus was reported on May 2, 2026, involving a cluster of passengers with severe respiratory illness aboard a cruise ship carrying 147 passengers and crew.
The crew members were from several parts of the world, including the United States, Europe, South America, Australia and parts of Asia.
As of May 7, a total of eight suspected cases had been recorded on the cruise ship, out of which five had been confirmed, resulting in three deaths.
Hantavirus is a viral disease spread mainly through contact with infected rodents, especially exposure to their urine, droppings, saliva or contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, abdominal discomfort and vomiting, while severe cases may result in breathing difficulties.
The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has assessed the overall global public health risk as low, but advised countries to strengthen preparedness and surveillance systems.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
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