Ghana cannot PCR-test every arriving passenger for Ebola – Prof Amuasi

Ghana cannot PCR-test every arriving passenger for Ebola, Prof John Amuasi said. He wants accurate passenger records and reliable follow-up to be central to the country’s response.

The Leader of Global Health at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) said airport temperature checks offer limited protection against detecting imported cases.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, he warned against placing too much confidence in visible screening measures.

“Temperature checks, use of alcohol and rubs, all these things are nice. They give people some level of confidence, but the reality is that they are not going to catch Ebola cases for you.”

He said testing was needed, but screening every arrival with laboratory tests wasn't feasible.

“What is needed is actually the ability to test, and this doesn't exist as it stands right now. We can't be doing PCR tests for everyone coming in.”

His comments come as Ebola cases beyond DR Congo sharpen concerns about cross-border spread.

Nigeria confirmed an imported case on October 20. According to the WHO, the woman developed symptoms four days after arriving from Uganda. Investigations into the source of her infection were ongoing.

The patient was evacuated to Switzerland on Monday, October 26, according to the Associated Press.

In Kenya, the WHO reported nine cases, including one death, as of October 20. Eight cases were linked to the first imported patient, who travelled from DR Congo through Uganda.

For Prof Amuasi, Ghana’s priority should be ensuring they can reach passengers after they enter the country.

“So for me, the single most important thing is being able to collect as accurate data as possible on every single person who comes off the plane in this country, making sure that the phone numbers they submit are accurate and finding a way of verifying it.”

He also called for arrangements to locate travellers when necessary. Arrivals should know the designated facilities and contact channels to use if symptoms develop.

He stressed that education should target people entering Ghana. Authorities must collect detailed information that allows effective follow-up.

“But for the other visual things we see, like alcohol rub and the temperature text, they are nice. They help people to be more confident and comfortable. But at this stage right now, they don't count very much," he added.