Ghana has confirmed twenty-six (26) new cases of Mpox, raising the total number of recorded cases in the country to forty-five (45). Health authorities report that two patients are currently hospitalised and under observation, with no deaths having been reported so far. According to sources from 3News, more than eight regions have documented cases, leading to increased surveillance throughout the country. The public is advised to visit their nearest health facility if they experience any symptoms. Additionally, contact tracing efforts are ongoing to help contain the spread of the virus.
What You Should Know About Mpox
- Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease that spreads from animals to humans and also between humans.
- Common symptoms include rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Transmission occurs through close contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials.
There are two clades of the Mpox virus: Clade I and Clade II. Both types spread in the same way and can be prevented using similar health and hygiene practices. Since the outbreak began, over 100,000 cases have been reported globally in 122 countries, including 115 nations where Mpox had not been previously documented. Currently, several African countries, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, are experiencing sustained human-to-human transmission. Similar patterns have also been observed in the Central African Republic and the Republic of the Congo.
Since January 1, 2024, countries that have reported travel-associated cases of Clade I Mpox include Angola, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Malawi, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, South Africa, South Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Zimbabwe. Health authorities in Ghana are closely monitoring the situation and urging the public to stay vigilant and adhere to preventive measures.
By: Sarah Apenkroh
