The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed eight new cases of monkeypox (Mpox), sparking renewed concerns about the spread of the viral disease across the country. Dr. Dennis Odai Laryea, Consultant Public Health Physician and Deputy Director of Surveillance at the GHS, disclosed the development during an interview on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Friday, May 23.
“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.”
According to him, the Ghana Health Service has investigated over 100 suspected Mpox cases across the country as part of ongoing surveillance efforts. Although all 16 regions have reported suspected infections, confirmed cases have so far been recorded in only two regions, Greater Accra and Western.
“This is the essence of our surveillance system, identifying and responding to suspected cases before confirmation,” Dr. Laryea explained. Mpox is a viral disease that spreads through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated objects. Symptoms typically include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, muscle aches, headache, and general fatigue.
In response to the outbreak, the GHS urged the public to take preventive measures seriously. These include practising regular hand hygiene, avoiding physical contact with individuals showing symptoms such as rashes, and reporting any suspected cases to the nearest health facility immediately. Health authorities are on high alert and have intensified public education and disease monitoring efforts in all regions to curb any potential spread.
By: Patricia Boakye
