The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed 10 new cases of Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, increasing the country’s total number of cases to 19. Health officials report that five of the confirmed cases are currently hospitalised and receiving treatment. So far, there have been no reported fatalities in this outbreak. The GHS has assured the public that it is actively monitoring the situation and has strengthened surveillance measures across the country, particularly in the affected areas.
Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease related to smallpox. It commonly presents with symptoms such as fever, severe headaches, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, muscle aches, and skin rashes. The disease spreads from person to person through close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials like bedding. Mpox remains endemic in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Nigeria, where there are intermittent increases in cases. These surges are often worsened by gaps in healthcare infrastructure, insufficient public health education, and challenges in rural surveillance.
The DRC, in particular, continues to report the highest number of cases globally, underscoring the need for a coordinated regional strategy. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently called for increased investment in Mpox diagnostics, vaccine research, and public education campaigns across Africa, warning that the virus could spread further if not contained effectively. WHO also advocates for de-stigmatising public discourse around Mpox to ensure that affected individuals are not marginalised or deterred from seeking care.
By: Albert Kuzor
