The Ghana Health Service has reported 12 new cases of Mpox, raising the country’s total confirmed infections to 980. No additional deaths have occurred, with the death toll remaining at seven, and one patient is currently hospitalised. Mpox is mainly transmitted through close contact with infected individuals.
Health authorities are urging the public to practice good hygiene and promptly seek medical care if they develop symptoms such as fever, rash, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or fatigue. Anyone experiencing these signs should visit the nearest health facility immediately. The Ghana Health Service is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates to help safeguard communities against further transmission.
What is Mpox?
Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPXV), related to smallpox, causing fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic rash that progresses from bumps to blisters to scabs, typically lasting 2-4 weeks.
Transmission occurs through close contact with infected animals or people (sores, bodily fluids, contaminated items), and while often mild, it can be severe, with different viral clades (types) having varying severity. Prevention involves hygiene, avoiding contact with infected individuals/animals, vaccination, and isolation during illness, with treatments varying by severity.
Symptoms
- Early flu-like stage: Fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, and severe fatigue.
- Skin eruption (1-4 days later): A rash that can start on the face, hands, or feet, spreading to other areas like the genitals or mouth, developing into firm, painful, pus-filled blisters that crust over and fall off.
Source: Edward Acquah
