The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed the country’s first Mpox case for the year.
- The patient, a young male from the Western North Region, was diagnosed after presenting symptoms of rash, fever, and general body pains.
Laboratory tests conducted by the National Public Health and Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) confirmed Mpox, leading to swift isolation and medical care. The patient, who has since been discharged, is reported to be in stable condition.
The GHS has identified 25 close contacts of the patient, who are being monitored.
This confirmation follows a broader continental concern, with the Africa Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2024.
The first case of Mpox for the year in Ghana follows the country’s 120 recorded cases in 2022 and eight in 2023.
Other African nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, South Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire, have reported cases this year.
Public Health Measures Activated
In response to the case, the GHS has implemented several key public health measures. These include:
• Issuance of alerts to all regions andteaching hospitals.
• Heightened surveillance and sensitization of health staff on Mpox.
• Distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare workers.
• Strict infection prevention protocols and active contact tracing.
Further actions include activating the National Public Health Emergency Operation Centre and continuous public education on the disease.
The public is advised to remain vigilant and report any suspected symptoms to health authorities for prompt investigation and treatment. The GHS has assured that the nation’s health system is equipped to manage the outbreak.
