Ghana records eight mpox cases

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed eight new cases of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), heightening public health concerns as the country works to contain the viral disease.

The Deputy Director of Surveillance at the GHS, Dr. Dennis Odai Laryea, in an interview on Channel One TV, confirmed that the recorded cases are in Greater Accra and Western, with four infections reported in each so far.

“Currently, we have eight confirmed cases. Cumulatively, for this year, we have nine. We had one case earlier in the year, which was quickly contained. This current outbreak, as of yesterday, has resulted in eight confirmed cases across two regions, Greater Accra and Western. Four cases have been recorded in each region.”

“This is the essence of our surveillance system, identifying and responding to suspected cases before confirmation,” Dr. Laryea explained.

Meanwhile, GHS has already placed heightened surveillance on all entry points into the country.

The move comes amid fears of undetected community transmission, particularly as two of the newly confirmed cases have no known links to previous ones.

A statement from GHS Director General Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, earlier emphasized the urgency of the situation and outlined several containment measures.

These include public education campaigns, training for health workers, and the reinforcement of infection prevention protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant by practicing regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with people who have flu-like symptoms or visible rashes, and reporting suspected cases promptly to nearby health facilities.

Mpox is a viral illness spread through close contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms typically include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches.