GHS confirms two Mpox cases in Accra

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed two new cases of Mpox in the Accra Metropolitan Area, prompting immediate action to contain the spread of the virus.

In a statement dated Thursday, May 15, the GHS said the two cases—unrelated and detected at a health facility—mark the first confirmed Mpox infections in Ghana this year.

The patients are currently under close medical supervision, and contact tracing has begun to identify individuals who may have been exposed.

In response to the detection, the GHS has directed all regional health directorates to reactivate their public health emergency operations centres.

Regional teams have also been instructed to scale up surveillance, community sensitization, and risk communication.

“Upon confirmation of these two cases, the Ghana Health Service has immediately initiated contact tracing efforts to identify individuals who may have come into contact with the confirmed cases. These contacts will be monitored for symptoms and provided with appropriate care and guidance,” the statement noted.

“The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service wish to reassure the general public that there is no cause for widespread alarm. Ghana’s public health system remains vigilant, and established protocols for the detection, management, and control of infectious diseases are being rigorously followed,” the GHS stated.

Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, reassured the public that there is no cause for panic.

“We have the capacity and the expertise to manage this situation and prevent a larger outbreak,” he assured.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral illness that spreads through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated material.

It typically presents with symptoms such as fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, fatigue, and headaches.

The GHS urged the public to remain vigilant and observe preventive measures, including good hygiene and avoiding close contact with individuals showing signs of the illness, particularly visible rashes.